Matthew 20
We live in a time where people are selfish. Like Paul describing the last days to Timothy, his message resonates with us today:
2 Timothy 3:1-5 – This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
When we read these scriptures in 2 Timothy, self is an underlying theme. In many ways, we see selfish acts on a daily basis, where actions and motives are based on what a person can receive or take from another person and not what they give.
What is Doctrine?
Doctrine is considered an instruction or teaching that can be learned or developed through experience. Doctrine is associated with a person’s beliefs; the way they ‘see,’ perceive, or relate to the world around them. Each person has a countless number of doctrines on the issues, people, and situations they experience on a daily basis. The number of doctrines a person has is countless and continues to be shaped and expanded throughout a person’s lifetime.
Within Christianity, sound biblical doctrine is based on the biblical teachings, experiences, pastors, ministers, and interactions with fellow brothers and sisters in the local church community. Within the context of this message, doctrine will encompass God’s Word. God’s Word is the foundation of good sound doctrine:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Matthew 20:25-28 – But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
In reading Matthew 20, after Jesus explains how the last will be first and the first last (in comparison to servanthood), the mother of Zebedee’s children comes to Him and asks a question. She asks for her sons to be given the right to sit on the left and right of Jesus in His kingdom. He tells her that those places will be given to those whom the Father has already prepared. (This is a paraphrase.) Now, based upon Jesus’ response to James’ and John’s mother (Mark 1:19), her reasoning for placing them to the right and left of Him was for them to be in positions of authority over people in His kingdom. Jesus then brought His disciples together and told them that they were not to exercise dominion over people. He gave the example of the princes of the Gentiles and those over them (the great)…and how they exercise authority over the people and one another. The disciples were not to live over people in such a manner. The great and chief among the people must be a minister and servant among them.
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