.png)
As we come into the Easter season, I am reminded of this story from Matthew 20. Jesus has predicted His death for the third time in the scripture. The scripture says that following this the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with James and John, knelt before Jesus to ask something from him. When he asked her what she wished, she ask Him to allow James and John to sit at his left and right hand in His kingdom. I am struck by her boldness but I also understand her request. As a parent it is natural to want the best for your children. But I love His response. He asked them if they could drink from the cup He was about to drink from, specifically referring to the Crucifixion. Then we see the other disciples became angry and Jesus gives us a crucial key to being a follower of Christ. He tells them that to be great in the kingdom, they must become a servant. It seems that God's principles are upside down. But the truth, we are the ones who are upside down. We operate in a fleshly realm where "me first" is prevalent. The world teaches us that we have to look out for ourselves. God is showing us that when we put others first we are the ones who are blessed. It doesn't cost anything but maybe our pride and it turns the world's system on its head.
I would like offer a modern day spin on this beautiful principle that Jesus left us with. We are presented with opportunities every day to serve others. Husbands, have you served your wives lately? It could look like taking the kids for a walk and giving her a 10 minute quiet time. Wives, you could take out the trash before your husband gets home. We can serve our children, friends, parents, community, pastors, or pastoral staff. I have listed some things that might help spark some new ideas for you. Let this be a spring board for your own unique personality and ideas. Who can you serve this week? I challenge you to start a new practice and spark a serving competition in your sphere of influence.
”Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”“ Matthew 20:20-28 NKJV
20 Ways to Serve Someone Around You
