Matthew 20:20-28

At The Heart Of Christianity Is The Spirit Of Service Matthew 20:20-28: On at least three occasions there was a discussion among the apostles concerning greatness in the kingdom. (Matthew 18:1-4; Matthew 20:20-28 and Luke 22:24-27) In John 13 Jesus taught the lesson of humble service by washing the feet of the apostles. "You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." (John 13:13-15)

The mother of Zebedee's children with her sons and the other disciples were still thinking about an earthly kingdom, rather than the church, God's spiritual kingdom. This mother wanted her sons to have honor in that earthly kingdom. Jesus asked them if they were willing to suffer for the kingdom and to agonize with Him is building the church or kingdom? Christ let it be know that be great in His kingdom did not come through worldly power but by humble service to others.

Every Christian must have a servant's heart. "...whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28) The price paid to set us free from sin was Jesus becoming a servant and giving His life a ransom for many. Those that would become His follower must follow His example of service.