Matthew 20:28 AMP
[28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].
All through the lifetime of Jesus on earth, men came to know different things about Him. Yesterday's focus was on the early days of Jesus' ministry, just before God made that public declaration of Jesus being His beloved Son. Today's focus is on the disciples who had followed him for a few years now. They had seen Him perform miracles, and had also heard Him teach with authority. They had seen Him oppose the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and the teachers of the law of His time. The disciples had also heard Him speak about the coming suffering on the cross, and this must have been hard to take. How could a man who was this powerful, raising people from the dead, be put to death in such a shameful manner? The image they had of Jesus did not match what He was telling them. What version of this Jesus do you have and know?
Interestingly, in the midst of all these news, the mother of two of the disciples saw a great opportunity to get something for her sons. She must have seen a glimpse of the glory that awaited those who followed this man to the end, and she wanted something eternal. She wanted preferential treatment for her sons, though there were 10 other disciples. I am not sure why she thought this was a good idea, but before we point a finger at her or the sons, can we also take a look at ourselves? What is the motive for my service? Is it earthly applause or recognition? Why do I serve as I do? If my assignment was in an obscure corner, where no one noticed, would I still give my best? Is the title men call me more important to me than how God sees me? James and John could also have pushed their mum to approach Jesus to make that request. I deal with a God of totally absolute knowledge, before whom all secrets are laid bare. He cannot be deceived by external show which is devoid of personal devotion.
It is this same Jesus that makes it clear what His mission on earth is, and what He expects from those who claim to follow Him. Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man, which is a source of comfort to us that Jesus has walked in our shoes, and is able to provide the help we need. His life is also an example we can emulate: He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. He is God, but He left all that glory in heaven, and came in the image of those who needed help. In His glory, death could not touch Him, but in His humanity, He has laid the path for us to be reconciled to God, and to have access to all that we need for life and Godliness. We could not pay the price for our sin, but He did, fully satisfying God's righteous requirements, and now, we are set free from the penalty of sin, and assigned eternal life with God. This is where I am now. This is who I am now, all thanks to this Jesus. Do you know this same Jesus? God's time of favour is here
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