GPS Guide – November 8, 2018

OWN IT – GIFTED TO SERVE

Thursday

Read: Matthew 20:20-28

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked.  She said “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”  “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.  Jesus said to them “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”  When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.  Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many.”  (NIV Matthew 20:20-28)

Study: Jesus kept talking about the Kingdom of heaven, his Kingdom. Weren’t “kingdoms” about power, about who held the most powerful positions? James and John thought they’d be smart, and make their bid for power before the other disciples. “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. In Heaven’s Kingdom, there is no status seeking. We know what earthly importance, power and privilege look like. Down deep, most of us would like to have at least some of those things. But Jesus’ teaching was clear: “that’s not the way it will be with you.” Jesus said he didn’t come to be served, but to serve, and even give his life. In what specific ways does choosing to follow Jesus change your approach to life?

 Prayer: Loving Lord, I’m human. Sometimes I have ambitious dreams and wishes. Keep reshaping me, making those ambitions into ambitions to serve you and others.   Amen