Matthew 20- 12.15.22

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:28 NLT

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION:

Jesus has an encounter with a rich young ruler who desires to “do a good deed to enter heaven” (19:16). He is quite enthusiastic to share with Jesus that he follows all the commandments. But—when Jesus proposes that he sell ALL he owns to give to the poor—explaining he would receive riches in heaven—and invites the young ruler to “come be one of HIS disciples”—the cost is just TOO high. The sad young ruler leaves.

This prompts a question from a greatly concerned Peter about their future—and what they will “GET” because after all—they’ve left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus.

The concerns about their future continue when James and John are jockeying for places of honor in heaven asking to sit on either side of Jesus. SO—Jesus STOPS to teach the disciples a clear lesson about SERVING—Serving—the way of Jesus.

UNDERSTANDING:

Serving—the way of Jesus—

Today I am pausing (selah) and continue to be in awe how “personal” Jesus is. Reading HIS word—and the things HE is speaking to me. I may have read certain passages countless times before—but all of a sudden—one certain word OR phrase will ring in my heart—and begin to circulate in my mind. It is like what Katie shared on Sunday—Selah—pause—pay attention—God is speaking WITH me today—Listen—Remember—all the times HE has been WITH me—exalt HIM.

Jesus came TO serve.

I am thinking about this on the heel of Peter’s question, “What will we get?” Jesus, Of Course, didn’t ask everyone to sell their possessions to follow HIM. Jesus Knew in the case of this young ruler—his riches were his “identity”. Much like James and John seeking those honored positions in heaven.

Jesus knows the things that weigh us down. I must be transparent here and share that I periodically need to stop and do a check—asking where is my identity stemming from? I pray my heart is pure for Jesus. For years I strived for those titles—Saks Fifth Avenue Buyer, Bloomingdale’s West Coast Divisional-and once I got them it wasn’t enough—I wanted the next one. But, God was never impressed. In fact—HE specifically told me so one very important day when it all came crashing in with my illness.

“I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God— which is your spiritual service.” (Romans 12:1TLV)

LIFE APPLICATION:

I am a servant of Jesus.

This is the most important title we will EVER have.

It means literally dying to our own ideals and visions of self—however that may look—SO that we may TAKE up the IMAGE of Christ.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20a NLT)

Jesus explained clearly that “rulers in this world enjoy authority AND flaunt it over others—BUT—with my disciples—it will be…different.”

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you , must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27 NLT)

AND with this service we GO with the LOVE of Jesus…Selah…HE is WITH us!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will EVER be able to separate us

from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 38-39 NIV)

Dearest Lord Jesus,

Thank you for your revelation of Love that continues to astound me. YOU invade every crevice of our beings to demonstrate YOUR wonder working power at work IN us and THROUGH us. Nothing is TOO much for you. Your Love is reckless and unlimited and able to reach through the thickest walls of depression and oppression and the most remote valleys of of emptiness and sadness—YOUR Love can FILL to overflowing. May we NEVER limit your ability or power to move in unexpected ways or places by our human understanding or expectations. Teach me to Selah—stop—pause—and listen. May our faith and hope arise to the highest peeks for your glory. In Jesus Name. Here I am Lord. Send me.

Tina L Kudelka