Matthew 20: Calvary in Sight (7)
Pray Psalm 146.1, 2.
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD, O my soul!
While I live I will praise the LORD;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
Sing Psalm 146.1, 2, 10.
(Hallelujah! What a Savior: Man of Sorrows)
Praise the Lord, my soul, give praise! While I live, His Name I’ll raise!
And exalt Him all my days – God forever reigns in Zion!
Read and meditate on Matthew 20.1-34.
Prepare.
1. What can we learn from this chapter about seeking the Kingdom of God?
2. What two cities are mentioned in this chapter? What is their significance?
Meditate.
Joshua crossed the Jordan, conquered Jericho, then went on to subdue all the land of Canaan. Jesus crossed the Jordan, passed through Jericho – symbolizing His death as the firstborn of God – than continued His approach to Jerusalem. There, on the cross and out of the empty tomb, He would conquer sin and death, and establish His Kingdom on earth for the salvation of the world.
As He journeyed, Jesus reminded His followers that the Kingdom of God involves work, in particular, that of serving others according to their needs. The heavenly Kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms, where men jockey for power and prestige. It is a realm of humility and service, in which all citizens share alike in the reward of knowing Jesus. Jesus taught these lessons in a parable and by direct instruction, and He demonstrated them by healing the two blind men, who immediately followed Him.
All the while, Calvary was in Jesus’ focus, and beyond Calvary, the resurrection and all that would follow.
Jesus teaches us here, as He has done consistently throughout Matthew’s Gospel, how to have a Kingdom mindset: Look to Jesus, prepare to serve, expect hardship, but keep your eye on the reward that is to come – eternal fellowship in glory with our crucified, resurrected, exalted, and reigning King.
Reflect.
1. Would you say that you live each day according to a Kingdom mindset? Explain.
2. Why is it important to keep our eyes on Jesus as we seek His Kingdom and righteousness?
3. To whom is God sending you today, that you might serve them in the Name of our King?
In effect he is saying, “When you, the ten, are insulted, do not be moved with such indignation. For James and John harm and disgrace themselves most by seeking the first place. That puts them among the last. For eminence within this community is not like status in the world. For the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over others, but here the very last is counted first. And if you want proof that I speak truly, look at what I am doing. Look at what I do and suffer. Let the proof of my teaching be my life. For I have done what I commend.” For being King of the powers above, he was willing to become man and submitted himself to be despised and despitefully treated. And not even with this lowliness was he satisfied, but he even came to die. John Chrysostom (344-407), The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 65.4
Lord, I am Your servant, to bring the righteousness, peace, and joy of Your Kingdom to…
Pray Psalm 146.3-10.
Pray that God will open your mind and keep you alert to every opportunity for serving Him in His Kingdom today.
Sing Psalm 146.3-10.
Psalm 146.3-10 (Hallelujah! What a Savior!: Man of Sorrows)
Trust we not in prince or man – no salvation’s in their hand;
Death shall take them, breath and plans – God forever reigns in Zion!
Blessed are they whose hope resides in the Lord, Christ at His side.
By Him heav’n and earth abide – God forever reigns in Zion!
He is faithful evermore; He gives justice to the poor,
feeds the hungry from His store – God forever reigns in Zion!
Jesus sets the pris’ner free, heals blind eyes that they may see,
lifts those burdened painfully – God forever reigns in Zion!
He the righteous loves the best; wand’rers in His grace are blessed;
needy ones in Him find rest – God forever reigns in Zion!
But the wicked who defame His eternal blessèd Name,
Them He brings to ruin and shame – God forever reigns in Zion!
T. M. Moore
Worship the Lord!
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).