A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. NEGATIVE (How NOT to be Great in the Kingdom)
A. BE PROUD
1. SITUATION
Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to Him with her sons, and bowing before Him she asked Him for something.
Mark 10:35 And James and John . . came up to Him and said to Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.”
2. STANDING
Matthew 20:21 And He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your kingdom.”
B. BE PRESUMPTUOUS
1. SUFFERING
Matthew 20:22a Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?”
2. STRENGTH
Matthew 20:22b They said to Him, “We are able.”
3. SURRENDER
Matthew 20:23 He said to them, “You will drink My cup, but to sit at My right hand and at My left is not Mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
C. BE POWER–HUNGRY
1. STRIFE
Matthew 20:24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers.
2. SUBJUGATE
Matthew 20:25a But Jesus called all of them to Himself, saying, “You know how the rulers of nations lord it over them
3. SUPPRESS
Matthew 20:25b “and their leading ones implement authority over them.”
II. POSITIVE (How to be Great in the Kingdom)
A. PRINCIPLE
1. SUPERIORITY
Matthew 20:26a It shall not be so among you.
2. SERVANT
Matthew 20:26b But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
3. SLAVE
Matthew 20:27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
B. PATTERN
1. SUBORDINATE
Matthew 20:28a even as the Son of Man came not to be served
2. STEWARDSHIP
Matthew 20:28b but to serve
3. SACRIFICE
Matthew 20:28c and to give His life as a ransom for many.”