TODAY’S MESSAGE True

It’s natural for us to strive for greatness.

However…

Matthew 20:17-28

Betrayed Condemned to death Mocked Flogged Crucified Any questions?

Matthew 20:21 “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Worldly greatness Politics Power play Manipulation Lavish spending Force

Worldly greatness Self- seeking Self-promoting Charismatic control Selfish ambition

Our understanding of “greatness” Is influenced by society & our sinful nature Skews our understanding of marriage Even seaps into many churches

Matthew 20:22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them.

Matthew 20:22 “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

Matthew 20:22 “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.

Matthew 20:23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup…”

Matthew 20:23 …but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

Proverbs 21:4 “Haughty eyes and a proud heart… produce sin.”

Proverbs 16:5 “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

1 Timothy 3:6 Says that the conceited person falls under the same judgment as the devil.

1 John 2:16 The cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Confess a pursuit of false greatness.

When in your life have you pursued “false” greatness?

CONFESSION OF SIN(S) ALL: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin.

CONFESSION OF SIN(S) ALL: I have been proud instead of humble.

CONFESSION OF SIN(S) ALL: I have been selfish …in relationships …in my finances …with my time.

CONFESSION OF SIN(S) ALL: I have sought my glory, not yours.

CONFESSION OF SIN(S) ALL: You should cast me away from your presence forever.

CONFESSION OF SIN(S) ALL: O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me for Jesus’ sake.

ABSOLUTION (FORGIVENESS) Remember Jesus’ greatness! Betrayed Condemned to death Mocked Flogged Crucified The atoning sacrifice!

ABSOLUTION (FORGIVENESS) PASTOR: “As a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

“This is amazing grace! This is unfailing love. That you would take my place.”

“That you would bear my cross. You lay down your life.”

“That I would be set free. Oh, Jesus, I sing for all that you’ve done for me.”

What is true greatness for the follower of Jesus?

Matthew 20:24 When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

Matthew 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.”

Matthew 20:26 “Not so with you.”

Matthew 20:26-27 “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”

Matthew 20:28 -- 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.”

Not: “What’s in it for me?” But: “How can I help you.”

The world’s view of greatness:

True greatness! (according to Jesus)

True greatness: HUMILITY HUMBLE SERVICE GENEROSITY HELP SELF-SACRIFICE GIVE DO FOR OTHERS SUFFER I n Christ, from Christ, for Christ’s glory!

True