Read Matthew 20:20-23 

Discussion Question 1: Have you ever been in over your head? To be in over your head means to become or be deeply involved in a situation which is too difficult for you to deal with. Some examples are… -Lying on your resume and getting an advanced level job you really don’t know how to do. -Luke Skywalker trying to fight Darth Vader without completing his Jedi training in The Empire Strikes Back. -October 9, 2005, number 1 pick in the 2005 NFL draft QB Alex Smith making his NFL debut, going 9-for-23, 74 yards, 0 TD, 4 INT. He was clearly in over his head at this point. In Matthew 20:20-28, we’re told that James and John, the “sons of thunder,” had mommy ask Jesus to sit at His right and left hand. Why was this a big deal? These were the places of highest honor in any kingdom. A recent study concluded that, “26% of Gen Z job applicants will involve their parents in their interview process. Of those applicants, 31% will have a parent accompany them to an in-person interview, while 29% have their parents join a virtual interview.” You could say that the mother of James and John was one of our first examples of snowplow parenting. Now, you may be wondering why did the request come at this time, and not months or years ago. Well, this conversation took place only days before they arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover. So, not having understood the kingdom Jesus was preaching and building, the disciples likely anticipated their journey to Jerusalem would result in His ascension to king, the overthrow of Rome, and the establishment of Israel over the earth. James and John wanted to get Jesus to promise the best seat in the kingdom before it all went down. Jesus responds by asking if they truly know what they’re asking. Again, His disciples didn’t understand the spiritual kingdom He was building with His first coming. The prediction of His death and warnings of suffering and persecution hadn’t registered. So, He asks, “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with” (Mark 10:38 NIV)? He was referring to the cup of suffering and the baptismal waters of affliction. James and John answered, “We can,” not fully understanding. And as Jesus points out, they did experience it—James was beheaded, and John was persecuted and exiled.

Read Romans 5:3-5, Matthew 5:10-12, and James 1:2-4, 12.

Discussion Question 2: It’s been said that suffering is the greatest teacher. Why does God often do His greatest work in our lives during moments of trials and suffering? Discussion Question 3: Why do we so often seek to avoid suffering, despite what the Bible teaches us about it?

Read Matthew 20:24-28

Naturally, having mommy ask Jesus for the best seats didn’t sit well with the other disciples, but Jesus used this tense moment to further explain the nature of following Him and what true greatness looks like in His kingdom: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” You see, the church is not to operate like the world! We aren’t called to be “leaders,” we’re servants—first of God and then of one another. In the hierarchy of Christ’s kingdom, we’re not called to rule, but to serve according to the example of our King and in accordance with and complete submission to the will of God. To be His disciple, we must die to self and be ready and willing to forsake the comforts, pleasures, and attachments of this world for the sake of a greater kingdom. We must make peace with the fact that we’ll always be subject to the cup of suffering and the waters of affliction because of His name. And we have to humble ourselves and live in service to Christ, His kingdom, His people, and the world we’re trying to reach with the gospel! And the beautiful thing about Jesus is that He isn’t commanding us to do something He didn’t do. Jesus shows us how to live a life of service by doing the very same for us. Jesus gave it all up for us (2 Corinthians 5:21, 8:9; Philippians 2:5–8), laid down His life willingly (John 10:18), got into the muck and the mess (Mark 5:25–34, 7:33; John 9:6), and served with love, joy, and compassion (Mark 6:30–44; John 13:1–17). But we shouldn’t see this as a burden, but as the incredible privilege it is to be His disciple, to follow in the footsteps of our Savior, and to live for and be part of something so much greater than we could imagine. Praise Jesus for this glorious call. Discussion Question 4: Throughout Jesus’ ministry and teaching, it became clear that the kingdom of God is often in complete opposition to human nature and cultural messaging. And much like suffering, the idea of being a servant, putting others first, is not embraced by the world around us. How can you fight the temptation to put yourself first? Discussion Question 5: Jesus laid down His life for you. What does it mean for you to lay down your life for Him and His kingdom?

This Week

Serving is the method of leadership in the kingdom. So today, go out of your way to serve someone! Identify the person or people and be intentional about it. Pray and consider what you can do that will be of true service to them.

Memory Verse

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”—Matthew 20:26–28

Prayer Guide

Father, as I read Your Word, I have a better understanding of the cost of being Jesus’ disciple, the cup, and the baptism. Stirred by the fact that Jesus suffered for it first on my behalf and bore the weight for my sins, I thank You for the privilege to drink from the same cup as my Savior and follow His example of being a servant. Thank You for the privilege of serving You and following Your example. Help me today, Jesus, to walk in service and humility. Help me to cast aside my selfish desires, ambitions, and plans for the sake of Your kingdom and Your purpose. Help me serve others as You command. Amen. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at CalvaryFTL.org/Questions.