The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Serving

Scripture: Matthew 20

Intro: Many of us start things with good intentions – New Year's resolutions, commitments, serving roles. But it's often easier to start than to sustain, especially when the "yes" involves sacrifice. How do we keep going in marriage, work, parenting, or serving God and others when we feel drained or it feels unfair? Matthew 20 offers crucial insights into sustaining a life of humble service.

Key Points:

1. What Do You Deserve? (vv. 1-16): The Parable of the Vineyard Workers challenges our fairness reflex. Workers hired early resent latecomers getting the same wage. Jesus highlights God's grace – He operates beyond strict fairness. Key for sustaining service: Release entitlement and the "I deserve more" mindset. Embrace God's grace to you and recognize the privilege is simply to serve. Don't let comparison or perceived unfairness derail your yes.
2. How Do You See God? (vv. 17-19): Jesus predicts His sacrificial death and resurrection. Key for sustaining service: Regularly recall God's immense service to you through Christ. He suffered, paid the debt, called you, and empowers you. Counter the subtle thought that you're doing God a favor. A clear view of His service fuels your ongoing service.
3. How Do You Define Greatness? (vv. 20-28): Responding to a request for positions of honor, Jesus contrasts worldly power ("lording it over") with kingdom greatness: becoming a servant and slave. The Son of Man came "not to be served, but to serve." Key for sustaining service: Adopt Jesus' definition. Greatness isn't climbing a ladder; it's downward mobility in service. You never outgrow the call to serve.
4. Are You Open to Interruptions? (vv. 29-34): On His resolute journey to the cross, Jesus stops for two blind beggars crying out, despite the crowd's rebuke. He asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" Key for sustaining service: Remember why you serve – for people. Don't let tasks obscure the purpose. Be open to divine interruptions, recognizing that serving people is the work, not a distraction from it.

Conclusion: Sustaining a sacrificial "yes" isn't about willpower alone. It requires confronting our sense of fairness with God's grace, keeping His service to us in view, redefining greatness through the lens of the cross, and valuing people enough to be interrupted. These shift our perspective and provide the fuel to keep serving humbly.

Call to Action: Reflect on these four questions. Where is your "yes" faltering? Is it a fairness issue? Have you lost sight of God's service to you? Are you chasing worldly greatness? Have you become closed off to interruptions? Ask God to reshape your heart with His grace, His example, and His love for people, empowering you to sustain your commitments for His glory. Come to the communion table remembering His ultimate act of service.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Serving (Matthew 20)
with Travis Aicklen