“The mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus … and … asked a favor. … ‘Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.’”
Matthew 20:20-21
The final week of Jesus’ life turned our world upside down.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a mother pulled Him aside to ask a favor. She was sure Jesus was about to be crowned king and wanted to guarantee there would be top positions for her sons. What a jewel that would be in her motherly crown!
Jesus could have answered simply yes or no, but instead He took this moment to reset her thinking (and ours). True greatness begins with descent, stepping down, stepping aside, making way. Our world craves greatness; we all do. We may hide our glory-seeking behind a screen of humility, but sometimes it slips out.
Ironically, though Jesus was “going up” to Jerusalem as He climbed its hills, He was preparing to descend into humiliation, suffering, and death for us. He is the One who shows us true glory, that we must “go down in order to go up,” as Pastor Tim Keller frequently says.
Every time we turn from pride, killing it with its cravings for personal glory, we follow the way of the cross. And that means Jesus Himself will lift us up.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a mother pulled Him aside to ask a favor. She was sure Jesus was about to be crowned king and wanted to guarantee there would be top positions for her sons. What a jewel that would be in her motherly crown!
Jesus could have answered simply yes or no, but instead He took this moment to reset her thinking (and ours). True greatness begins with descent, stepping down, stepping aside, making way. Our world craves greatness; we all do. We may hide our glory-seeking behind a screen of humility, but sometimes it slips out.
Ironically, though Jesus was “going up” to Jerusalem as He climbed its hills, He was preparing to descend into humiliation, suffering, and death for us. He is the One who shows us true glory, that we must “go down in order to go up,” as Pastor Tim Keller frequently says.
Every time we turn from pride, killing it with its cravings for personal glory, we follow the way of the cross. And that means Jesus Himself will lift us up.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 20:17-28
Insight
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27)
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 28-29
- Psalm 93
- Acts 17
