Examples of Sacrifice, Suffering and Service
Read: Matthew 20:17-29
In verses 17-19 Jesus gives an announcement of His death including that He will be condemned in
a trial and that He will be mocked, flogged and crucified. This is to be no glorious martyrdom but
an ugly, wretched butchery. Yet this is not the end, He will be raised again on the third day! This
death will be an act of service, a source of life for many. The narrative goes on to speak of common
themes which have already been illustrated. The idea of heavenly rewards and the theme of the
first being last are emphasized once again. The mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons
could sit in the place of honor in His future Kingdom. The cup Jesus mentions in verse 22-23 refers
to His coming suffering. There is a necessary connection between the cup and the throne because
there is a connection between suffering and glory. Jesus teaches that their place in Heaven is
not to be earned but rather is prepared by His Father. Jesus also tells them that they will drink
His cup – James became the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2) and John suffered persecution and
exile (Rev. 1:9). They must submit to the Father’s will for their future, just as Jesus does. When
the rest of the ten heard what this mother asked for, they got a little ticked off. Jesus settles things
down by teaching them that authority and greatness among the disciples are the reverse of what
the world is used to. True greatness is in service (verse 26-27). Once again, Jesus has turned
the world upside down. Self-importance and the desire to be noticed and respected, the ambition
to make one’s mark and to impose one’s will on others, this is the value scale of the world, not of
the Kingdom of God. Verse 28 is the final conclusion of the matter; “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” (NIV). Jesus is our
example of a life of service and putting others first. The specifics of our service will be different than
His but we will be called to self-sacrifice. It was Christ’s mission to fulfill the role of God’s servant
and to give His life for the sins of His people. The Servant’s death provided the ransom for many
to be saved. He had to lose His life that many would receive life. Those that choose to follow Him
then have the privilege of losing their lives so that many more can hear of His great work!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. In what areas do you desire to be noticed and respected? How is this contrary to what Christ
is teaching in this passage?
2. Spend some time thanking Jesus for His life of sacrifice, suffering and service. Jesus had
to lose His life that many would receive life. In what areas is He calling you to do the same?
Pray that you would be found faithful in these areas.
