The Heart of a Servant

Scripture: Matthew 20:

C.I.: Three Perspectives of the Lord's Servant

Last Sunday we began a new series entitled, “Heart of a Servant” from Matthew 20.

We learned as servants of God – of His call to us to work.

Today Jesus will teach us about three different perspectives of the Lord's servant.

•  Three Perspectives on God's Servants, (Matthew 20:17-28)

•  How the World Perceives the Lord's Servants, (vs. 17-19)

•  It is no secret - that the world does not view God's people very highly…!

•  ( vs. 17-19 ), “As Jesus was about to go up to Jerusalem, - He took the 12 aside by themselves, - and He said to them, ‘Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock & scourge & crucify Him, & on the third day He will be raised up.”

•  This is the 3 rd time Jesus has forewarned His apostles of this event, ( 16:21; 17:22-23 ).

•  Jesus is tenderly warning His apostles (and us) – about what we should expect from world.

2) ( Matt. 5:11-12 ), “Bless are you when men persecute you and revile you and say all….”

3) ( Matt. 10:25 ), “If they have called the head of the household Beelzebub, - how much more
the members of his household.”

4) Since these things are true – we should not either expect – or desire the world's praise.

•  How the Lord's Servants Might Perceive Themselves, (vs. 20-24)

•  There is, however, a danger of God's servants going too far in the other direction!

•  ( vs. 20-21 ), “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. –He said to her, ‘What do you wish?' – and she said, ‘Command that in your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on your right and one on your left.'”

•  “Sinful ambition” = seeking for position, honor, glory - but not for the purpose of serving

•  This ambition misuses influence, position and power – to build up our own self-esteem.

•  Quote Rom. 12:3; I Pt. 5:5-6; I Jn. 2:15-16 , “…every man among you ought not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think … God is opposed to the proud… Do not love the world.”

•  Ambition is not wrong. – The questions we need to ask are, “What are my motives, purpose?”

1) When ambition is fueled by a desire to serve others – it is good, ( Gal. 5:13 ), “…thru love

2) When the results of ambition don't need to be seen – it is good, ( Matt. 6:3 ), “When you give

3) When our ambition is for God to be glorified – it is good, ( Matt. 5:16 ), “Let your light shine

•  The ambition of a servant-heart – has a willingness to pay the price in three areas…, (vs. 22-23)

•  #1 – Paying the price of thinking through our decision – “Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you are asking for?'”

•  Serving requires obedience, sacrifice, and self-discipline. – Have we thought things through?

•  ( Lk. 14:28-30 ), “Which one of you when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down…

•  #2 – Paying the price of suffering – “Are you able to drink the cup which I am about to drink?”

1) Jesus was about to drink the cup of suffering – in order to take care of our greatest need.

2) Are we willing to suffer – (to put off our own comfort, ease) - so that others may be helped?

3) ( I Pt. 4:16 ), “If anyone suffers as a Xn, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him….

•  #3 – Paying the price of determination – “They said to Him, ‘We are able.'”

1) The Lord's servant will accept any challenge, bear any burden, suffer any hardship – to serve

2) For the value of serving others in the name of Christ – is worth any price we have to pay!

3) ( Matt. 20:23 ), “And Jesus said to them, ‘My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and
on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by…..'”

4) And they did pay the price – ( Acts 12:1-2; Rev. 1:9 ), “At that time Herod the king laid
hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them. – And he had James

the brother of John [the 2 sons of Zebedee] put to death with a sword.” – “I, John, your
brother & fellow partaker in the T. & K. & P. – was on the island called Patmos, because…”

•  ( v. 24 ), “And hearing this, the 10 became indignant with the two brothers.”

1) Jesus didn't “write them off” because of their pride – He gently, lovingly corrected them.

2) The “10” were not so kind. – Pride, like every other sin – needs proper correction ( Gal. 6:1 ).

•  How the Lord Perceives His Servants, (vs. 25-28)

•  The greatness of true servanthood – is not measure in the number of people who serve us – but in the numbers of people whom we serve!

•  ( vs. 25-27 ), “Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. – It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you, shall be your SERVANT, and whoever wishes to become first among you, shall be your slave.'”

•  ILLUST.: Man's versus God's organizational chart (2 pyramids – 1 is inverted).

•  When we appoint new elders/deacons later this year – LOOK FOR SERVANTS (men already serving) – not those running for office!!! – ( I Tim. 3:1 ), “If any man aspires….”

b. Jesus gives Himself as the supreme example of servanthood in three areas, (v. 28)…

1) First, He showed up – “…just as the Son of Man did not come ….” – Only when desire is
match with action can anything be accomplished. – The best intentions of God's people will
never accomplish anything. – We must be willing to show up if we are going to serve!!!

2) Second, He ministered (served) – “…to be served, but to serve….” – Service doesn't just
happen – nor do servants magically appear. – Servants have a purpose!!! Their thoughts,
intentions and follow-through are all demonstrated by what they do.

3) Third, He didn't stop no matter the cost – “…and gave His life a ransom for many.” – Jesus
willingness to sacrifice Himself – returns us to the beginning of this lesson ( “How the World
Perceives Us” ). – The world will misunderstand your service, disparage your motives, and
even seek to destroy your efforts. – SERVE ANYWAY!!!

4) This mind-set Jesus had is one that all of us as God's people should desire – ( Phil. 2:3-7 ).