Second’s Appearance
Surrendered – Part 1
Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:20-28
Key Verse: Matthew 20:26-27
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–
Salome was her given name. She was the wife of Zebedee, who may have been dead by this point, since she is only referred to as the “mother.” Historians believe her to be the sister of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. Maybe it was because of this relationship that she felt comfortable making a special request of Jesus. Her sons, James and John, were thought to be favorite disciples, so that also probably gave her confidence to ask a huge favor of Jesus.
Salome asked that her sons could sit at Jesus’ right and left in His kingdom. These seats of course would be highly desirable to anyone. These seats were places of honor and respect. Humanly speaking, others would look on with envy and wish for such a place in God’s kingdom! Who wouldn’t want to sit close to Jesus and feel His presence? Who wouldn’t want to be picked as a “favorite” disciple?
The question is not “who” wouldn’t want these places of honor, but “how” does one get these places? In our society, it normally takes being a person of means or some inner connection; some inside person who can pull the right strings! In God’s kingdom it is totally opposite. Jesus stunned the disciples by telling them that it takes being a servant to obtain these spots! The best spots in God’s kingdom are reserved for people who serve people.
Father, I surrender my ambition to be first and will look for ways to serve today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.