PODCAST
What Is That to You?
July 27th, 2014
Matthew 20:17-28
I’ve always thought Jesus probably could have answered most questions in the Bible with one answer, “What is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:22b). That is one of my favorite verses.
Mothers always look out for their sons, don’t they? That is certainly true of the mother of Zebedee’s sons, but it also appears that the boys were in agreement with her. Jesus uses the common understanding of what it means to be great to teach everyone, even the other disciples, a lesson.
Can we accept serving God according to a pattern that is the opposite of what our society and our human nature would desire? If we too quickly say “Yes!” we just might end up revealing more of the pride and ignorance suggested by the original question. We love to evaluate the obvious struggle for power by James and John as proof that we would never say such a thing. Still, in our own subtle ways we, too, seek recognition and acknowledgement—some sort of reward for our sacrifice?
One day I hope to be free from any preoccupation with how everyone else is serving God, and just serve.
Author: Lisa Mueller
July 29th, 2014 at 12:14 am
Me, too, Lisa! It would be wonderful to not need, even in a subtle way, any notice but that of our Lord and King! Thanks for the insight.