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Matthew Chapter
Twenty
Matthew 20
We may remark that, when the Lord answers Peter, it was
the consequence of having left all for Christ upon His call. The motive was
Christ Himself: therefore He says, "Ye which have followed me." He
speaks also of those who had done it for His name's sake. This was the motive.
The reward is an encouragement, when, for His sake, we are already in the way.
This is always the case when reward is spoken of in the New Testament. [1] He who was called at the eleventh hour was
dependent on this call for his entrance into the work; and if, in his kindness,
the master chose to give him as much as the others, they should have rejoiced
at it. The first adhered to justice; they received that which was agreed upon;
the last enjoyed the grace of his master. And it is to be remarked that they
accept the principle of grace, of confidence in it. "Whatsoever is right I
will give!" The great point in the parable is that-confidence in the grace
of the master of the vineyard, and grace as the ground of their action. But who
understood it? A Paul might come in late, God having then called him, and be a
stronger testimony to grace than the labourers who had wrought from the dawning
of the gospel day.
The Lord afterwards pursues the subject with His disciples. He goes up
to Jerusalem, where the Messiah ought to have been received and crowned, to be
rejected and put to death, but after that to rise again; and when the sons of
Zebedee come and ask him for the two first places in the kingdom, He answers
that He can lead them indeed to suffering; but as to the first places in His
kingdom, He could not bestow them, except (according to the Father's counsels)
on those for whom the Father had prepared them. Wondrous self-renunciation! It
is for the Father, for us, that He works. He disposes of nothing. He can bestow
on those who will follow Him a share in His sufferings: everything else shall
be given according to the counsels of the Father. But what real glory for
Christ and perfection in Him, and what a privilege for us to have this motive
only, and to partake in the Lord's sufferings! and what a purification of our
carnal hearts is here proposed to us, in making us act only for a suffering
Christ, sharing His cross, and committing ourselves to God for recompense!
The Lord then takes occasion to explain the sentiments
that become His followers, the perfection of which they had seen in Himself. In
the world, authority was sought for; but the spirit of Christ was a spirit of
service, leading to the choice of the lowest place, and to entire devotedness
to others. Beautiful and perfect principles, the full bright perfection of
which was displayed in Christ. The renunciation of all things, in order to
depend confidingly on the grace of Him whom we serve, the consequent readiness
to take the lowest place, and thus to be the servant of all-this should be the
spirit of those who have part in the kingdom as now established by the rejected
Lord. It is this that becomes His followers. [2]
With the end of verse 28 this portion of the Gospel
terminates, and the closing scenes of the blessed Saviour's life begin. At
verse 29 [3] begins His last presentation to Israel as
the Son of David, the Lord, the true King of Israel, the Messiah. He begins His
career in this respect at Jericho, the place where Joshua entered the land-the
place on which the curse had so long rested. He opens the blind eyes of His
people who believe in Him and receive Him as the Messiah, for such He truly
was, although rejected. They salute Him as Son of David, and He answers their
faith by opening their eyes. They follow Him-a figure of the true remnant of
His people, who will wait for Him.
[1]
Indeed, reward is in scripture always an encouragement to those who are in
sorrow and suffering by having from higher motives entered into God's way. So
Moses; so even Christ, whose motive in perfect love we know, yet for the joy
set before Him endured the cross despising the shame. He was the Leader and
Completer in the path of faith.
[2]
Observe the way in which the sons of Zebedee and their mother come to seek the
highest place, at the moment when the Lord was preparing unreservedly to take
the very lowest. Alas! we see so much of the same spirit. The effect was to
bring out how absolutely He had stripped Himself of everything. These are the
principles of the heavenly kingdom: perfect self-renunciation, to be contented
in thorough devotedness; this is the fruit of love that seeketh not her own-the
yieldingness that flows from the absence of self-seeking; submission when
despised; meekness and lowliness of heart. The spirit of service to others is
that which love produces at the same time as the humility which is satisfied
with this place. The Lord fulfilled this even unto death, giving His life as a
ransom for many.
[3] The
case of the blind man at Jericho is, in all the first three Gospels, the
commencement of the final circumstances of Christ's life which led on to the
cross, the general contents and teachings of each being closed. Hence He is
addressed as Son of David, being the last presentation of Himself as such to
them, God's testimony being given to Him as such.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Matthew》
Matthew 20
Chapter Contents
The parable of the labourers in the vineyard. (1-16)
Jesus again foretells his sufferings. (17-19) The ambition of James and John.
(20-28) Jesus gives sight to two blind men near Jericho. (29-34)
Commentary on Matthew 20:1-16
(Read Matthew 20:1-16)
The direct object of this parable seems to be, to show
that though the Jews were first called into the vineyard, at length the gospel
should be preached to the Gentiles, and they should be admitted to equal
privileges and advantages with the Jews. The parable may also be applied more
generally, and shows, 1. That God is debtor to no man. 2. That many who begin
last, and promise little in religion, sometimes, by the blessing of God, arrive
at a great deal of knowledge, grace, and usefulness. 3. That the recompense of
reward will be given to the saints, but not according to the time of their
conversion. It describes the state of the visible church, and explains the
declaration that the last shall be first, and the first last, in its various
references. Till we are hired into the service of God, we are standing all the
day idle: a sinful state, though a state of drudgery to Satan, may be called a
state of idleness. The market-place is the world, and from that we are called
by the gospel. Come, come from this market-place. Work for God will not admit
of trifling. A man may go idle to hell, but he that will go to heaven, must be
diligent. The Roman penny was sevenpence halfpenny in our money, wages then
enough for the day's support. This does not prove that the reward of our
obedience to God is of works, or of debt; when we have done all, we are
unprofitable servants; but it signifies that there is a reward set before us,
yet let none, upon this presumption, put off repentance till they are old. Some
were sent into the vineyard at the eleventh hour; but nobody had hired them
before. The Gentiles came in at the eleventh hour; the gospel had not been
before preached to them. Those that have had gospel offers made them at the
third or sixth hour, and have refused them, will not have to say at the
eleventh hour, as these had, No man has hired us. Therefore, not to discourage
any, but to awaken all, be it remembered, that now is the accepted time. The
riches of Divine grace are loudly murmured at, among proud Pharisees and nominal
Christians. There is great proneness in us to think that we have too little,
and others too much of the tokens of God's favour; and that we do too much, and
others too little in the work of God. But if God gives grace to others, it is
kindness to them, and no injustice to us. Carnal worldlings agree with God for
their penny in this world; and choose their portion in this life. Obedient
believers agree with God for their penny in the other world, and must remember
they have so agreed. Didst not thou agree to take up with heaven as thy
portion, thy all; wilt thou seek for happiness in the creature? God punishes
none more than they deserve, and recompenses every service done for him; he
therefore does no wrong to any, by showing extraordinary grace to some. See
here the nature of envy. It is an evil eye, which is displeased at the good of
others, and desires their hurt. It is a grief to ourselves, displeasing to God,
and hurtful to our neighbours: it is a sin that has neither pleasure, profit,
nor honour. Let us forego every proud claim, and seek for salvation as a free
gift. Let us never envy or grudge, but rejoice and praise God for his mercy to
others as well as to ourselves.
Commentary on Matthew 20:17-19
(Read Matthew 20:17-19)
Christ is more particular here in foretelling his
sufferings than before. And here, as before, he adds the mention of his
resurrection and his glory, to that of his death and sufferings, to encourage
his disciples, and comfort them. A believing view of our once crucified and now
glorified Redeemer, is good to humble a proud, self-justifying disposition.
When we consider the need of the humiliation and sufferings of the Son of God,
in order to the salvation of perishing sinners, surely we must be aware of the
freeness and richness of Divine grace in our salvation.
Commentary on Matthew 20:20-28
(Read Matthew 20:20-28)
The sons of Zebedee abused what Christ said to comfort
the disciples. Some cannot have comforts but they turn them to a wrong purpose.
Pride is a sin that most easily besets us; it is sinful ambition to outdo
others in pomp and grandeur. To put down the vanity and ambition of their
request, Christ leads them to the thoughts of their sufferings. It is a bitter
cup that is to be drunk of; a cup of trembling, but not the cup of the wicked.
It is but a cup, it is but a draught, bitter perhaps, but soon emptied; it is a
cup in the hand of a Father, John 18:11. Baptism is an ordinance by which we
are joined to the Lord in covenant and communion; and so is suffering for
Christ, Ezekiel 20:37; Isaiah 48:10. Baptism is an
outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace; and so is suffering
for Christ, for unto us it is given, Philippians 1:29. But they knew not what
Christ's cup was, nor what his baptism. Those are commonly most confident, who
are least acquainted with the cross. Nothing makes more mischief among
brethren, than desire of greatness. And we never find Christ's disciples
quarrelling, but something of this was at the bottom of it. That man who
labours most diligently, and suffers most patiently, seeking to do good to his
brethren, and to promote the salvation of souls, most resembles Christ, and
will be most honoured by him to all eternity. Our Lord speaks of his death in
the terms applied to the sacrifices of old. It is a sacrifice for the sins of
men, and is that true and substantial sacrifice, which those of the law faintly
and imperfectly represented. It was a ransom for many, enough for all, working
upon many; and, if for many, then the poor trembling soul may say, Why not for
me?
Commentary on Matthew 20:29-34
(Read Matthew 20:29-34)
It is good for those under the same trial, or infirmity
of body or mind, to join in prayer to God for relief, that they may quicken and
encourage one another. There is mercy enough in Christ for all that ask. They
were earnest in prayer. They cried out as men in earnest. Cold desires beg
denials. They were humble in prayer, casting themselves upon, and referring
themselves cheerfully to, the Mediator's mercy. They showed faith in prayer, by
the title they gave to Christ. Surely it was by the Holy Ghost that they called
Jesus, Lord. They persevered in prayer. When they were in pursuit of such
mercy, it was no time for timidity or hesitation: they cried earnestly. Christ
encouraged them. The wants and burdens of the body we are soon sensible of, and
can readily relate. Oh that we did as feelingly complain of our spiritual
maladies, especially our spiritual blindness! Many are spiritually blind, yet
say they see. Jesus cured these blind men; and when they had received sight,
they followed him. None follow Christ blindly. He first by his grace opens
men's eyes, and so draws their hearts after him. These miracles are our call to
Jesus; may we hear it, and make it our daily prayer to grow in grace and in the
knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Matthew》
Matthew 20
Verse 2
[2] And
when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his
vineyard.
The Roman penny was about seven pence
halfpenny. [About thirteen and three quarter cents, American.] This was then
the usual price of a day's labour.
Verse 6
[6] And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle,
and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
About the eleventh hour — That is, very late; long after the rest were called.
Verse 8
[8] So
when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the
labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
In the evening — Of
life; or of the world.
Verse 9
[9] And
when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man
a penny.
Who were hired about the eleventh hour — Either the Gentiles, who were called long after the Jews into the
vineyard of the Church of Christ; or those in every age who did not hear, or at
least understand the Gospel call, till their day of life was drawing to a
period. Some circumstances of the parable seem best to suit the former, some
the latter of these senses.
Verse 10
[10] But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received
more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
The first supposed they should have received
more — Probably the first here may mean the Jews,
who supposed they should always be preferred before the Gentiles.
Verse 12
[12]
Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal
unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
Thou hast made them equal to us — So St. Peter expressly, Acts 15:9. God-hath put no difference between us
(Jews) and them, (Gentiles,) purifying their hearts by faith. And those who
were equally holy here, whenever they were called, will be equally happy
hereafter.
Verse 14
[14] Take
that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
It is my will to give to this last called
among the heathens even as to the first called among the Jews: yea, and to the
late converted publicans and sinners, even as to those who, were called long
before.
Verse 15
[15] Is
it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil,
because I am good?
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will
with my own? — Yea, doubtless, to give either to Jew or
Gentile a reward infinitely greater than he deserves. But can it be inferred
from hence, that it is lawful, or possible, for the merciful Father of spirits
to "Consign an unborn soul to hell? Or damn him from his mother's
womb?" Is thine eye evil because I am good - Art thou envious, because I
am gracious? Here is an evident reference to that malignant aspect, which is
generally the attendant of a selfish and envious temper.
Verse 16
[16] So
the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few
chosen.
So the last shall be first, and the first
last — Not only with regard to the Jews and
Gentiles, but in a thousand other instances.
For many are called —
All who hear the Gospel; but few chosen - Only those who obey it. Matthew 19:30; 22:14.
Verse 17
[17] And
Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and
said unto them,
Verse 20
[20] Then
came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him,
and desiring a certain thing of him.
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's
children — Considering what he had been just
speaking, was ever any thing more unreasonable? Perhaps Zebedee himself was
dead, or was not a follower of Christ. Mark 10:35.
Verse 21
[21] And
he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two
sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy
kingdom.
In thy kingdom —
Still they expected a temporal kingdom.
Verse 22
[22] But
Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the
cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am
baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Ye know not what is implied in being advanced
in my kingdom, and necessarily prerequired thereto. All who share in my kingdom
must first share in my sufferings. Are you able and willing to do this? Both
these expressions, The cup, the baptism, are to be understood of his sufferings
and death. The like expressions are common among the Jews.
Verse 23
[23] And
he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the
baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left,
is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of
my Father.
But to sit on my right hand — Christ applies to the glories of heaven, what his disciples were so
stupid as to understand of the glories of earth. But he does not deny that this
is his to give. It is his to give in the strictest propriety, both as God, and
as the Son of man. He only asserts, that he gives it to none but those for whom
it is originally prepared; namely, those who endure to the end in the faith
that worketh by love.
Verse 25
[25] 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.
Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles lord
it over them — And hence you imagine, the chief in my
kingdom will do as they: but it will be quite otherwise.
Verse 26
[26] But
it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be
your minister;
Your minister —
That is, your servant. Matthew 23:11.
Verse 29
[29] And
as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
Verse 30
[30] And,
behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus
passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Behold two blind men cried out — St. Mark and St. Luke mention only one of them, blind Bartimeus. He was
far the more eminent of the two, and, as it seems, spoke for both.
Verse 31
[31] And
the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they
cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.
The multitude charged them to hold their
peace — And so they will all who begin to cry
after the Son of David. But let those who feel their need of him cry the more;
otherwise they will come short of a cure.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Matthew》
Chapter 20.
Blind Men Receive Sight
Many Are Called
Few Are Chosen
I. Parable of the Vineyard
II. Seek Spiritual High Positions
III. Two Blink Men Receive Sight
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
The Laborers In The Vineyard (Mt 20:1-16)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous study in "The Parables Of Jesus"... a. We saw that "an unforgiving spirit" has no place in the hearts of those who would make up the kingdom of heaven b. Cf. "The Unmerciful Servant", Mt 18:21-35 2. Our next parable identifies another attitude of heart that has no place in the kingdom... a. This parable is known as "The Laborers In The Vineyard" b. Found in Mt 20:1-16, let's begin with a careful reading of it (READ) 3. The meaning of this parable has challenged many expositors, and explanations offered have been varied [While admittedly difficult, I believe the main point can be determinedwith a fair degree of certainty. Especially if we begin by taking intoconsideration...] I. THE SETTING
A. THE CONVERSATION WITH THE RICH YOUNG RULER - Mt 19:16-22 1. Jesus had been approached by this man with a question concerning eternal life 2. In the course of their conversation, Jesus challenged the young man to give up all and follow Him 3. The man went away sorrowful, unable to accept the challenge B. THE DISCUSSION WITH THE DISCIPLES - Mt 19:23-26 1. Jesus used this opportunity to teach how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven 2. This causes the disciples to wonder who then could be saved? 3. Jesus' response is that with God all things are possible C. THE QUESTION RAISED BY PETER - Mt 19:27 1. Unlike the rich young man, Peter and the other disciples had accepted the challenge to give up all and follow Jesus - cf. Mt 4:18-22 2. So he asks: "Therefore what shall we have?" 3. It appears that Peter is wanting to know... a. If the rich can be saved (though barely, and with the help of God)... b. What more will those receive, who have given up all to follow Christ? 4. Peter's question could be viewed as coming from a commercial or mercenary spirit... a. I.e., having some sort of personal profit as a chief aim b. I.e., motivated solely by a desire for personal gain 5. Peter's motive may have been pure, in which case Jesus' complete answer may have been designed to be a "pre-emptive strike" against any improper motives D. THE REPLY GIVEN BY JESUS - Mt 19:28-30 1. First, an assurance... a. Specifically, to the apostles - Mt 19:28 1) In the "regeneration", they will be judging the twelve tribes of Israel 2) This promise could refer either to: a) Their role as apostles in the gospel age following Pentecost - cf. Mt 16:19 b) A special role following the return of Christ when He comes to judge the world - cf. Mt 25:31-ff b. Generally, to all disciples - Mt 19:29 1) In this life, a "hundredfold" houses, brothers, sisters, etc. 2) In the age to come, "everlasting life" - cf. Mk 10:29-30 3) I.e., those who give up all will receive more than enough in return 2. But then, a warning - Mt 19:30 a. "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." b. A rather cryptic warning, one repeated again in Mt 20:16 [Since this warning both precedes and follows the parable we are studying, it is evident that the parable was told to explain the warning! And since the warning was first given in response to Peter'squestion, any explanation of the parable should be based upon the setting that preceded its telling. With this in mind, let's proceed to consider...] II. THE PARABLE AND ITS MESSAGE
A. THE PARABLE SUMMARIZED... 1. Early in the morning, a landowner hires laborers to work for an agreed upon wage - Mt 20:1-2 2. Later, at different hours of the day, he finds more and hires them also, for a fair but unspecified wage - Mt 20:3-7 3. At the end of the day, they are all paid equally, which irritates those who had worked all day - Mt 20:8-12 4. The landowner responds to the complainers... a. I treated you fairly, for you received according to our agreement - Mt 20:13-14a b. I wish to pay the others the same - Mt 20:14b 1) Do I have not the right? - Mt 20:15a 2) Are you envious, because I am gracious? - Mt 20:15b 5. Jesus concludes by repeating the warning - Mt 20:16 (some manuscripts add another warning: "For many are called, but few chosen") B. THE MESSAGE OF THE PARABLE... 1. Many and varied have been the interpretations; for example... a. The various bands of workers are the O.T. saints; those called at the eleventh hour are the apostles b. The workers first called are the Jews, those called last are the Gentiles c. The parable represents the whole gospel age up to Christ's return, and the workers are groups saved at various periods d. It refers to different periods of a person's life in which he may respond to the Lord: some responding early, others late in life 2. Since this parable is in response to Peter's question, I suggest... a. That the first workers represent the apostles and others like them 1) Who are called by Christ through the gospel early in life 2) And who therefore may labor long and hard in the "vineyard" (i.e., the kingdom of God b. The other workers represent those who are called by Christ via the gospel at various times 1) Some of whom are called late in life 2) Who do not have opportunity to do as much for the Lord 3. In light of this interpretation, the main point of the parable is... a. What everyone receives will be more than "fair" ("Did you not agree with me...?")
b. No one has the right to question the "generosity" of the Lord ("Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?")
c. Those who may serve long and hard should not be "envious" if others receive the same reward ("Is your eye evil because I am good?")
d. Therefore no one should serve the Lord with a commercial or mercenary spirit! 1) The very danger Peter was close to falling into by the question he raised! 2) A danger to which we are all susceptible! 4. Perhaps I should stress that this parable is NOT saying that those who purposely put off obeying Christ until the last moment can be saved! a. If that were the point, the parable would have been worded differently 1) Notice that those who responded at the late hour of the day had not been working "Because no one hired us" - Mt 20:7
2) They accepted the offer as soon as they heard it, though late in the day -- They were not people who turned down many opportunities to accept the offer to labor in the vineyard, only to accept at the last hour! b. Whether one can be saved at the last moment after lifelong rejection of the gospel is another question 1) One which only the Lord can rightfully answer 2) However, notice what is said of those who remain in a condition of rejecting the gospel: a) They judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life - cf. Ac 13:46 b) They are storing up for themselves wrath in the day of wrath - cf. Ro 2:4-11 CONCLUSION
1. It is my understanding that the proper application of this parable is this... a. When we are called by the gospel to obey Christ, we should respond at once! 1) For some, we may hear the invitation early in life 2) Others may not come to know of the gospel until late in life b. As laborers in the vineyard (i.e., the kingdom), we should work diligently in whatever time we may have left 1) We may be blessed to offer a full life of service to the Lord 2) Or we may only have a short time c. We should do whatever we can without a commercial or mercenary spirit (e.g., "Do I get more because I gave more?") 2. With this parable, we learn more about those in the kingdom of heaven... a. Just as the parable of "The Unmerciful Servant" teaches us there is no place in the kingdom of heaven for "an unforgiving spirit"... b. So the parable of "The Laborers In The Vineyard" teaches us there is no room in the kingdom of heaven for those with either "a mercenary spirit" or "an envious spirit"! 3. My fellow Christians, what is our attitude toward our service to Christ? a. One of gratitude? b. Or one of commercialism? -- There is only one attitude that is acceptable! 4. For those who are not yet Christians... a. Why not let the gracious spirit of the "landowner" revealed in this parable encourage you to accept the grace of God in humble obedience to His gospel? b. Why not live out the rest of your life in grateful service to Him? Served By Greatness, Serve To Be Great (20:20-28)
INTRODUCTION
1. What good mother does not desire the best for her children? a. The mother of James and John was no different b. She desired great things for her two sons - Mt 20:20-21 2. Yet she was not aware of the significance of what she was asking Jesus... a. Serving in His kingdom would require great sacrifice and suffering - Mt 20:22-23 b. Her request could only be granted by the Father - Mt 20:23 3. This request in behalf of James and John displeased the other apostles - Mt 20:24 a. Upon which Jesus used this opportunity to teach an important lesson - Mt 20:25-28 b. I.e., to be great in the kingdom one must serve, even as the Son of Man came to serve [This is a lesson that every Christian needs to remember, yet it goesagainst what the world would have us believe. To encourage us in beingwilling to serve, perhaps it would help to recall that we have been...] I. WE HAVE BEEN SERVED BY GREATNESS
A. SERVED BY JESUS... 1. He came to serve, not to be served - Mt 20:28 2. He served by giving His life a ransom, dying on the cross for our sins 3. He serves even now, as our High Priest who intercedes for us - He 7:24-25 B. SERVED BY THE PROPHETS... 1. The prophets spent their lives in service for our benefit - 1 Pe 1:10-12 2. Thus we have been served by men like Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and many other "heroes of faith"! C. SERVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT... 1. It was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets - 1 Pe 1:11 2. He also inspired the apostles to reveal the gospel - 1 Pe 1:12; Jn 16:13
D. SERVED BY THE APOSTLES... 1. They are the ones who preached the gospel to us - 1 Pe 1:12 2. Through them, we have come to believe in Jesus - cf. Jn 17:20 3. Thus we have been served by men like Peter, James, John, and Paul, who suffered greatly in their ministry to us! - cf. 1 Co4:9-13; 2 Co 11:24-29
E. SERVED BY ANGELS... 1. They had a keen interest in the things being revealed - 1 Pe1:12
2. For they had a part in the process of revelation - cf. Dan 8,9; Lk 1:11-19,26-38
3. Thus they too have ministered to us - cf. He 1:13-14 F. SERVED BY OTHER CHRISTIANS... 1. Someone taught us the gospel, others continue to teach us and our children 2. Some have made it possible for us to assemble, and each week clean up what we leave behind 3. In times of sickness, many have prayed and rendered various forms of service [With so many rendering so much service, it is easy to feel pampered.Indeed, we have been "served by greatness"! Do we take it for granted?I hope not. We can show our appreciation by emulating those who servedus. So let me offer just a few ways that we can serve others...] II. LET US SERVE TO BE GREAT
A. SERVE OTHERS IN EVANGELISM... 1. Someone led you to Christ, can you not lead another to Him? - cf. Jn 1:35-42 2. Begin by being hospitable, offering acts of kindness and service 3. At the very least, invite to services, offer a Bible correspondence course 4. Hone your skills in personal evangelism, seek to improve your ability to teach the gospel to others B. SERVE OTHERS IN EDIFICATION... 1. Many have contributed to your spiritual growth, can you help others? - cf. Ep 4:16 2. Begin by being present at every service, greeting every one present 3. Take a special interest in those who are new, encourage them 4. Offer to help teach our children, even if it only means to assist another teacher 5. Volunteer whatever service you can render in the work and worship of the church C. SERVE OTHERS IN BENEVOLENCE... 1. Has anyone ever showed you kindness? "Be kind to one another" - cf. Ep 4:32 2. Visit the sick or elderly in hospitals, and at home 3. Render service such as cleaning, transportation, errands, etc. 4. Minister to the poor, hungry, or those otherwise in need CONCLUSION
1. The important thing is that we be people of service... a. People who serve others, not just benefiting from the efforts of others b. People who are producers, not just consumers 2. Serving others is not just the path to greatness in the kingdom, it is also the path to happiness in life: "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"(Ac 20:35)
Shall we not follow both the example and teaching of the Son of Man,and live to serve others?
－－《Executable
Outlines》