Service and Sacrifice - 9/14/2025 Sunday Sermon

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Service and Sacrifice - Matthew 20:17-28

‘Cursed by anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ - Deut. 27:19

‘Accept atonement, O LORD, for your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and do not set the guilt of innocent blood in the midst of your people Israel, so that their blood guilt be atoned for.’ So you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from your midst, when you do what is right in the sight of the LORD. - Deut. 21:8-9

Those who reject biblical truth have always promoted godless ideas that have very bad consequences in the real world. Now those ideas are more accessible than ever online and on social media. 1 in 3 college students say it’s okay to use violence to stop speech you disagree with (FIRE).

Jesus knows what awaits Him, but still goes - V. 17-19

1st statement of death

Matt. 16:21-22

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

2nd statement of death

Matt. 17:22-23

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.”

3rd statement of death

Matt. 20:17-19

And on the way said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and He will be raised on the third day.”

Crucifixion was reserved for the worst of the worst criminals – those Rome wanted to make examples of. What neither the Jewish nor Roman officials understood was that they would be fulfilling prophecy.

But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:5-6

The Disciples are more concerned about their glory than Christ’s suffering - V. 20-24

The sons of Zebedee were John and James, and Salome was their mother. It’s possible she was Mary’s sister, which meant she was Jesus’ aunt (Draw your own conclusion by studying Matthew 20:20-28; 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; 16:1-8; John 19:25).

Unfortunately, their faith was still very selfish and focused in on “what’s in it for me” mentality. They also wanted to be viewed as greater than their fellow disciples. Far too often, we are just like them.

The first cup Jesus refers to is the “cup of judgment” due wicked sinners (Psalm 11:6, 75:8; Isa. 51:17, 22; Jer. 25:15, 17, 28; Rev. 14:10, 18:16).

The second cup Jesus refers to is the cup of salvation given to those whose faith is in God and sins forgiven by Christ (Psa. 116:13; Matt. 26:27).

Greatness in God’s eyes is gained through servant leadership - V. 25-28

In response to the disciples pride, Jesus gave instructions in verse 26-27 that have changed not just true Christian practice but affected every leadership structure in cultures heavily influenced by Christianity – Jesus introduced to the world “servant leadership.”

Notice Jesus doesn’t criticize their ambition to be great – He channels it! By Jesus’ definition every Christian can be great, no matter how simple their life position and natural talents. Everyone can do what Jesus did – serve others as He served the world.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church. - Col. 1:24

Jesus Christ sacrificed to actualize salvation for all who repent and believe. We make sacrifices to give others access to that saving message!

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#Religion #Guest Speakers #Dr. Danny Campbell #Christianity