Thursday: “We are Able”
To truly appreciate today’s story about James and John (and their mom) in Matthew 20:20-27, first read Luke 9:51-56. This event occurred when Jesus and His disciples at first set out for Jerusalem, just days before James and John asked if they could sit on Jesus’ left and right in the kingdom.
Read Matthew 20:20-27. What does Luke 9:51-56 tell us about how ready James and John were to sit on the left and right of Jesus in the kingdom?
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
James and John, the Sons of Thunder, were still clearly more worried about their own future than about the salvation of those around them, even after they had been sent out to evangelize the surrounding areas. In its own way, this story is somewhat like what we looked at yesterday, with Peter’s question regarding what they could get by following Jesus.
Look carefully at Jesus’ answer here. “‘You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’” (Matthew 20:22, NKJV). In other words, to be identified with Jesus’ future glory means, first, to be identified with His suffering and death, something that they had not anticipated and were not ready for. The fact that they immediately answered, “‘We are able’” (Matt. 20:22) shows that they didn’t know what He was warning them about. They would learn, eventually.
An interesting contrast is presented here, one that we need to think about for ourselves. As we saw in yesterday’s study, we have been promised wonderful things, even “eternal life” (Matt. 19:29, NKJV), if we follow Jesus. At the same time, too, the Bible makes it clear that in this world, following Jesus comes with a cost, sometimes a very big one. Jesus Himself later told Peter that he would die a martyr’s death (see John 21:18-19). Many believers throughout history, and even today, have paid a great price for following Jesus. In fact, it might be wise to ask ourselves if there is something wrong with our walk if indeed we have not paid a steep price for following the Lord. Whatever the price, though, it’s cheap enough.
| What has following Christ cost you? Think hard on the implications of your answer. |
(20)
Many are the times we do and answer things that we don't even have the full information just like the disciples did.We can also compare this"we are able"with paul's statement(Phil 4:13) where paul got the strength from God rather than putting ourselves in the work of God.
James and John gave an example of blind faith that is real. Their trust In what Jesus asked was not the same that their minds was as the cup at the last supper, or the baptism of John the Baptist. This may be why Jesus said ,"You do not know what you ask".
James, John and their mother failed to grasp Jesus' previous teachings on reward and eternal life. They failed to understand the suffering they would face before living in the glory of God's Kingdom.5The terrible cup was the suffering and crucifixion Christ faced. Both James and John would also face great suffering. James would be put to death and John would be exiled.
Jesus was showing that He was under the authority of the Father, who alone makes the decision about leadership in heaven. Such rewards are not given as favors. They are for those who have maintained their commitment to Jesus in spite of spiritual trials.
This is a personal decision that each individual has to deeply consider before accepting Christ into their life and choosing to follow Him. Are we willing to surrender all our comforts and follow Christ where ever he leads? Sometimes it may cost us into a life of povity a life of unpopularity, A life of self denial and sacifice for others sometime it may means you going without in order to see the better for someone. However hard we may think it is to give up all for Christ, it is nothing compare to what he has given up for us. The life to follow Christ here may not be a glamourous one but it will be a grand one in the end. Lets give all for Christ because it will worth it.
What have I given up to follow Christ? Nothing, except me, and He gave me back! In the long run what did I give - nothing!
Amen
Are we able, to drink the cup that Christ drank and be baptized of heaven, the Spirit, the water, the cross, and the love of God (John 3:1-16)? I like Richard's answer "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13) We are able, we are able. Reminds me of the song, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Like Claudia does we should read the whole song.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Christ is worth everything and all of us can't give enough for His sacrifice.We're so insufficient and He is so full and gracious to us.Can an ant give us anything so we fall short on giving Christ.However we humbly return our sinful lives to Him that's all we can do and He accepts our daily sacrifice
"In fact, it might be wise to ask ourselves if there is something wrong with our walk if indeed we have not PAID a steep PRICE for following the Lord. Whatever the PRICE though, it’s CHEAP enough."
Revelation 3:18 "I counsel thee to BUY of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
So...is eternal life REALLY a free gift?
Amen!!
I appreciate the comments of which some could be use by teachers of the adult S.S. class.
I am recommending that comments would be made which could be applied a week ahead to the upcoming lessons. The would be a spring board to incorporate them for the current lessons. S.S. teachers a very busy to do some creative explicatable questions and this would be of help.