Matthew 20
July Memory Verse: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Read: Matthew 20
The chapter begins with a parable about workers in the field. People get hired throughout the day to work for the master, and at the end of the day, he gives the same pay to everyone. Instead of being grateful for what they have received, there is grumbling by the workers who started at the beginning of the day. Next, we see the mother of James and John asking that her sons should be in second and third position (right and left of Jesus) in Jesus’ Kingdom. The brothers seem to be ok with asking Jesus this question since they are right there to support her request when Jesus challenges her.
It seems to me that these two stories have a similar theme – people thinking they deserve rewards from Jesus. Although scripture does seem to paint a picture of rewards in heaven based on service to the Kingdom, by no means have we “earned it”. By that I mean that everything we accomplish, everything we’ve ever done or will do for the Kingdom, every skill that we’ve employed that results in fruit, and of course the very reason we will be in heaven receiving anything, will only be because of Jesus.
It’s not our place to think we’re owed something. That is a trap that is easy to fall into. I often must resist the urge to pat myself on the back for the “great” (Isaiah 64:6) things I think I do. Without Christ, I am nothing (John 15:5). Christ is everything.
The chapter closes with two blind men. Jesus is their only hope, and they know it. They beg Jesus to help them. With the crowd rebuking them (1st century version of cancel culture), they cry out all the more. They cry out like this is the only shot they have, now or never, they are desperate! Jesus heals them and they immediately get up and follow Him. So cool! That’s what we are to be about. So, so, thankful that Jesus saved us out of our desperate state. May I never take it for granted. May I never think Jesus owes me anything.
Do you ever find yourself boasting of your service at CPC or other good things you do (maybe even only quietly in your heart)? Spend some time today meditating on who Jesus is and all that you owe him.
By: Chuck Vellios
Read: Matthew 20
The chapter begins with a parable about workers in the field. People get hired throughout the day to work for the master, and at the end of the day, he gives the same pay to everyone. Instead of being grateful for what they have received, there is grumbling by the workers who started at the beginning of the day. Next, we see the mother of James and John asking that her sons should be in second and third position (right and left of Jesus) in Jesus’ Kingdom. The brothers seem to be ok with asking Jesus this question since they are right there to support her request when Jesus challenges her.
It seems to me that these two stories have a similar theme – people thinking they deserve rewards from Jesus. Although scripture does seem to paint a picture of rewards in heaven based on service to the Kingdom, by no means have we “earned it”. By that I mean that everything we accomplish, everything we’ve ever done or will do for the Kingdom, every skill that we’ve employed that results in fruit, and of course the very reason we will be in heaven receiving anything, will only be because of Jesus.
It’s not our place to think we’re owed something. That is a trap that is easy to fall into. I often must resist the urge to pat myself on the back for the “great” (Isaiah 64:6) things I think I do. Without Christ, I am nothing (John 15:5). Christ is everything.
The chapter closes with two blind men. Jesus is their only hope, and they know it. They beg Jesus to help them. With the crowd rebuking them (1st century version of cancel culture), they cry out all the more. They cry out like this is the only shot they have, now or never, they are desperate! Jesus heals them and they immediately get up and follow Him. So cool! That’s what we are to be about. So, so, thankful that Jesus saved us out of our desperate state. May I never take it for granted. May I never think Jesus owes me anything.
Do you ever find yourself boasting of your service at CPC or other good things you do (maybe even only quietly in your heart)? Spend some time today meditating on who Jesus is and all that you owe him.
By: Chuck Vellios
2 Comments
Powerful message, Chuck! I learned so much reading Jumpstart each day.
Great thoughts Chuck. I love that our church offers so many opportunities for service. Just try to come in and not be encouraged to get involved in a ministry somewhere. (Invert smiley face here) But that service is not to elevate the individual but to lift Jesus up for all to see. It us in our human nature to think (if not ask openly) "what's in it for me?" And the answer is something far greater than our minds can even comprehend. But when we focus on ourselves and our gain, we limit what God will do through us. The story of the rich man in chapter 19, James and John snd the workers here in chapter 20 show us people who turned their focus on themselves.