Pride can be found in the most saintly of places. Pride and arrogance are not sins just for the heathen, but sadly, they are often common among “religious” folks. Some erroneously look at the church through the eyes of the corporate world with a promotion based mentality. The idea is that the longer I am in the church, the higher I climb in “the corporation.” While that may be true in the business world, it is the exact opposite among the Lord’s disciples. Matthew records an incident (20:20-28) that well illustrates this fact. The incident in our text deals with the age-old problem of “position.”
Firstly, consider the people (Matthew 20:20-21). Zebedee’s wife came asking that her two sons be granted positions in the Lord’s kingdom. Of course, these two sons were none other than James and John. Scripture teaches that the kingdom and the church are the same entity (Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13), so what this mother was asking was for a special place in the church for her two sons. Sadly, like many, she was looking at the church through carnal eyes instead of through spiritual eyes. The church is so often misunderstood by many who should know better. There are no human positions in the Lord’s church! Christ is the Head (Colossians 1:18), and every Christian is equally under that authoritative head.
Secondly, consider the prediction (Matthew 20:22-23). The Lord’s response was certainly not what this family was expecting to hear. “…Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” The word “cup” among the Hebrews meant a portion assigned (Psalms 16:5; 23:5), whether of pleasure or of sorrow. Yet, the idea of sorrow usually predominated (Matthew 26:39, 42; Revelation 14:10; 16:19; 18:6; Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15). The idea of “baptism” means an “immersion” or “overwhelming,” here referring to being overwhelmed or immersed (completely covered) in suffering and pain. We understand that both James and John experienced this as Jesus predicted (Matthew 20:23; Acts 12:2; Revelation 1:9).
Thirdly we see the problem (Matthew 20:24). Pride and arrogance always causes turmoil. Although the other disciples became angry with this request, they too were guilty of the same mentality (Matthew 18:1).
Fourthly, note the paradox (Matthew 20:25-27). The world’s standard for greatness is not God’s standard! In God’s view, true greatness does not consist of being president, a general, a famous athlete, winning a war or being the victor in some prestigious sport. True greatness has to do with character – not position! “Minister” literally means to raise dust by one’s hurry, and “servant” literally means to be a slave! Greatness in the world is having many servants; greatness in God’s sight is serving.
Lastly, Jesus gave the paradigm (Matthew 20:28). As high and holy as Jesus is and was, He never demanded to be served. He served! Those who walk after Him must also serve (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). If anyone deserved to be served, it surely was the Founder of the church. Each Christian is merely a servant, nothing more, nothing less. Even if we have done everything commanded for us to do, we are still “unprofitable servants” (Luke 17:10).
Therefore, where should we sit in the church? The church is not about position and prestige, but it involves humility and serving. We do not climb the ladder among God’s people, but we descend to our knees and humbly serve the Lord. Where do you sit in the church?
