How can we align our ambitions with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 20:21? Setting the Scene Matthew 20:21 records: “He asked, ‘What do you want?’ She said, ‘Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left.’” Ambition stands exposed—sons of thunder seeking the highest seats. Jesus Redefines Greatness Immediately Jesus redirects: • Matthew 20:22-23—only the Father assigns honor; the path runs through a “cup” of suffering. • Matthew 20:26-28—“Whoever desires to become great among you must be your servant… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Kingdom greatness is measured by humble, sacrificial service, not elevated position. Principles for Aligning Our Ambitions • Submit every plan to God’s will – Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved.” – Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Aim for God’s glory, not self-promotion – 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Pursue humility before honor – James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” • Embrace servanthood as the true ladder up – Mark 10:43-44 “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” • Welcome the refining “cup” of hardship – Philippians 3:10 speaks of “the fellowship of His sufferings” preceding resurrection power. • Keep an eternal perspective – Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Practical Steps for Today 1. Start each project by consciously yielding it to Christ. 2. Frame success as faithfulness: “Have I served well?” not “Did I outrank others?” 3. Look for unnoticed tasks and take them gladly—mirroring the basin and towel (John 13:14-15). 4. Celebrate others’ promotions; pray they flourish. 5. Evaluate ambitions regularly with Scripture and trusted believers. 6. Redirect any praise you receive back to the Lord publicly and privately. 7. Invest in what benefits others eternally—discipleship, generosity, gospel witness. Scripture Snapshots to Keep Us Grounded • Luke 16:10 “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • Psalm 75:6-7 “Exaltation does not come from the east or the west… God is the Judge: He brings one down and exalts another.” • Romans 12:10 “Outdo one another in showing honor.” Closing Thoughts Ambition itself is not condemned; self-seeking ambition is. When our driving goal becomes making Jesus famous, serving His people, and trusting His timing for any honor, we find the joy and freedom the sons of Zebedee were still learning to desire. |
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