Observing Jesus (Matthew 20 - P 53)

Read Matthew 20: 20 - 34

Let's observe our reading today through two different lenses.  First, let's see what we can learn from the disciples.  Secondly, we will glean lessons from Jesus.

The Disciples:

Ambition

The disciples ... how human they were ... how like us.  James and John were ambitious.  And their mother was ambitious for them.  Ambition is not a bad thing.  the Webster's definition is:  (a) an ardent desire for rank, fame, power; (b) strong desire to achieve a particular end.  One reason I know ambition is not a bad word is because of its antonyms.  Some of the antonyms of this word are:  apathy, halfhearted, indifference.  Ambition is good ... the problems occur when our ambition is focused in the wrong place.  James and John were confused about the whole Kingdom of God thing.  They could not quite move past the thinking that this world was it.

There is good ambition and bad ambition.

I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news ...          Romans 15:20a

We urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.           1 Thessalonians 4: 10b - 12

However ...

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  this wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.         James 3: 14 - 16

So here is the question for the day:  What are your ambitions?  Have you lined them up against the Word of God?  Do they fit?  If so, what are you doing about them?

Invincible Faith

The disciples ... how they believed even though they did not quite understand.  James and John (and their mom) were dead certain that Jesus was to rule over his kingdom.  No doubts.  The disciples were passionately loyal.  They had just been told that there was going to be a bitter cup to drink ... humiliation and death in Jerusalem ... yet they are all still with Jesus!  No one has left ... yet.  I am moved by their faithfulness and loyalty to Jesus.

So another question for the day:  To whom or to what are you most loyal?  Who stirs your passion and loyalty?  Is it Jesus?  Is it his kingdom?  

Jesus:

Patience

Jesus ... how 'other' He was ... how NOT like us.  After 3 explanations to his followers about his kingdom not being of this world ... they still don't get it.  But we sense no frustration or anger from Jesus.  We witness a beautiful extension of patience and love toward these men.  And more explanation because, obviously, more was needed.  I cringe when I remember the times of impatience with my own children because, usually, they were being children.  I cringe when I remember the times of impatience in my classroom when one particular kid just couldn't get it ... even after numerous and various examples and explanations and illustrations.  Not so our Lord.  His love was greater than that.  His heart was more expansive than that.  He could be more concerned for the good of the other person than for his own time or ego.  

So ... question ... how are you doing on the "patience" front?  Need more practice?  Have you identified your own strong trigger points?  Be aware of them.  That will help ... and pray ... teach us Lord to mimic you.

Compassion

Jesus ... how 'other' he was ... how NOT like us.  Jesus' compassion for his followers caused him to be completely honest with them.  There was no pretense, no camouflage   He let them know the pain involved in following him.  He was honest about the value system in his kingdom.  It was not like the world to which they had grown accustomed.  It was a complete reversal.  It was service driven - not self driven.  It was giving focused - not getting focused.  

Another question ... what stirs your compassion?  Are you honest about the kingdom of God or do you try a bit of manipulation to trick people into wanting it?  It's all about "spin" right?  I don't see Jesus trying to "spin" anything.  Straight out honest.  Are you?  

With all of this on his mind ... with the coming agony of Jerusalem ... with the crowds still following and pressing in on him ... he was interrupted yet again by 2 needy, blind men.  What a nuisance, right?  Not for Jesus.  His patience and compassion radiate all around him as he stops ... as he heals ... as he blesses.  

Lord, from these verses today ... how I long for

Godly ambition

invincible faith

a spirit of patience

a heart of compassion

Lord ... transform me into an image of Christ. 

And I will choose right now to cooperate with the process!