WEDNESDAY, SECOND WEEK OF LENT- YEAR-C

I Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20: Come on, let us hit at him. 

Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28: They will condemn him to death.       

The Messiah Foretells His Death and Resurrection (3^rd Time), 20:17-19

Jesus Christ foretells his death and resurrection in the third time. Jesus had to get three facts across to his disciples.

1. Jesus took the disciples aside (v.17)

a. While on the way

b. To prepare for death

2. He was to be betrayed and delivered for prosecution (18)

a. The betrayer or deliverer was not named

b. The prosecutors: The Jews or religionists

3. He was to be delivered for execution (19)

a. To be Gentiles

b. By crucifixion

4. He was to be raised from the dead (19)

The Price and Meaning of Greatness, Mt 20:20-28

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. Jesus was about to free Israel and set up his kingdom on earth. The disciples did not understand the true meaning of his suffering and death. The disciples thought that Jesus is going to establish the kingdom of God over throwing the Romans’ rule in Israel.

So James and John the sons of Zebedee were assuring themselves of key position in Christ’s kingdom. We who live today know what Christ meant by his death and resurrection. In this passage Jesus Christ is teaching the price and meaning of greatness in the kingdom of God.

1. The sin of false ambition-seeking personal greatness (v.20-21)

a. Is self-seeking

b. Is deceptive and uses people

c. Misuses influence, position and power

d. Arises from pride and contempt

e. Misunderstand true greatness

 

2. What greatness requires: is a person willing to pay the price? (22-23)

a. The price of contemplation: understanding greatness

b. The price of suffering: the cup

c. The price of determination: “we want” (22)

d. The price of unshakable loyalty: to Christ

 

3. What greatness is (23-28)

a. Eternal greatness is of God

b. Greatness is not dominion over people

i. The disciples’ misconception

ii. The world’s characteristics

c. Greatness is saving others

i. The great: are servants

ii. The greatest: are slaves

d. True greatness is demonstrated by Christ

Thought: There is good and healthy ambition and there is bad and unhealthy ambition. Good ambition gives purpose, meaning and significance to live; it builds drive, initiative, self-esteem and much more. Bad ambition is deceptive in every conceivable way and corrupts and destroys truth and justice. There is nothing wrong with high positions of responsibility and authority with a good ambition. James and John left all for Christ (Mt 19:27-29).

www.believeinthegoodnews.blogspot.com