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 (3rd 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).
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