- Jesus provides __________ as faithful followers
____________ their ____ ___________. (vv. 13–17)
- Jesus provides ____ as faithful followers _________ in
His __________ _____ _____. (vv. 18–20)
- Jesus provides ____ _____ as faithful followers _______
to be ___________ by __________. (vv. 21–22)
Cross-References: Mark 3:18; Matthew 9:9; Luke 6:15; Luke 5:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17
1. God’s work continues through servant-leaders.
(A) Servant-leaders need to find other faithful servant-leaders.
(B) Servant-leaders should look for reliability and reverence.
2. God’s work continues through sanctified citizens.
- When you see a list of names in the Bible, please remember that God also knows you by name.
3. God’s work continues through sacrificial giving.
- Being charitable is a beautiful, biblical quality of a Christian.
Cross-References: Nehemiah 6:15–16; Nehemiah 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:1–3; Psalm 112:6;
Romans 8:28; Nehemiah 5:14; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
When you think about suffering, what comes to mind? Do you envision bedraggled children with distended stomachs, a hospital patient hooked up to life-sustaining medical equipment, or a courageous veteran dealing with the aftermath of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Adversity seems to be a common denominator to human existence, but what does the Bible have to say about suffering?
Jesus spoke to His disciples about suffering. One of the most well-known verses reads, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 ESV). The Greek word for cross in this verse is staurós. It refers to the crossbeam which the lowest criminals carried as they trudged toward their execution. The cross symbolized degradation and indescribable pain as well as sacrifice.
While the invitation to eternal life is free, it comes at a price–certain suffering.
(MULTILINE)
1. Being great in God’s eyes is redefined by the teaching of Jesus. (vv. 24–26)
- “The measure of a man is not how many servants he has, but how many men he serves.” –D. L. Moody
2. Being great in God’s eyes is reinforced by the life of Jesus. (v. 27)
- If you want to see just how much Jesus was willing to reinforce His teaching on servanthood, look to Calvary!
3. Being great in God’s eyes is rewarded by the authority of Jesus. (vv. 28–30)
- Rewards are not to be our main motivators. We serve the Lord and others primarily out of Christian love. However, Jesus tells His disciples that they can expect great rewards for their faithful service.
Cross-References: 1 Samuel 16:7; Luke 9:46–48; Mark 9:33–35; John 13:2–5; Philippians 2:5–7; Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Revelation 19:9; Matthew 25:23