King Jesus and the Queen City
This morning Pastor Clay walked us through Matthew 20:20-28 as we looked at what radical leadership looks like. Jesus has just finished talking to the rich young man earlier in the day, and the group is making their way to Jerusalem for the last time. Jesus tells the disciples, for the third time, that He is about to be tried, condemned, and crucified; but then He will be raised on the third day. Jesus’ aunt, Salome (the mother of James and John), asked Jesus to commit that “these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” This must have broken Jesus’ heart. Salome had been with the disciples throughout Jesus’ teachings as she was taking care of Him and the disciples.

The other 10 disciples get angry because they too want to be considered for the positions of honor in the Kingdom. They were all looking at this place of honor and leadership through the lens of man. As we have learned throughout this series, Jesus “flipped” understanding of many concepts upside down. This one is no different. He said, “”But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve..”

To discuss today
1. We all find great reward when we serve, so why is it so hard to stay in that place as opposed to wanting to be served?

2. Who is a great leader in your life and what makes them “great”?

3. Who do you serve well? What could you improve on this week?

Prayer
Father, thank you for your perfect love. Jesus, thank you for showing us what a true leader looks like in Your eyes. I am so selfish and want others to serve me, which is so worldly. Help me to have eyes to see what you see, ears to hear what you hear, and a heart that beats like yours when it comes to serving others. Thank you for your example of serving me to the point of death for me. I want to serve others and help point them to your extravagant love and sacrifice.