Positioned for Greatness

Based on Matthew 20-21, Psalm 20

When we think of "winning" or "making it" in the world today, we think of taking steps up. For example, raises, promotions, and other such things are all ways in which we "move up" in society. But what if I told you that in order to move up in God's Kingdom, we need to take steps down? Let's examine this!

We start out this reading with the parable of the laborers in the vineyard: "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard." Matthew 20:1-2.

This first group of workers were hired early in the morning, ready to work for a penny that day. But just because they were ready, doesn't mean they were willing! The owner went out several times during the day to hire more workers, and even though the next half started later, they got paid a penny as well! The first group which had been working all day were pretty upset:

"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. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?" Matthew 20:12‭-‬13.

This first group of laborers were unhappy with their wages because they compared themselves to others. In reality, they should have just been thankful for the position anyway! A lofty attitude does not position someone for greatness; it's a humble heart that truly elevates a person! Remember, the owner went out to find his workers to give them a chance; he did not wait for them to come to him. There was so much to be thankful for:

"Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." Matthew 20:14‭-‬16.

The world's definition of greatness is far different than God's. The first shall be last, and the last first! This doesn't mean we should not try. This does not mean we should desire failure. It just means we should not put ourselves on pedestals. God can bring us to greater places than we can bring ourselves!

A woman came up to Jesus to ask about her two sons, James & John: "...Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom." Matthew 20:21.

Jesus responded: "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." Matthew 20:22.

The positions that the mother was desiring for her sons came with a price. To be elevated to such a status would mean to be meek and lowly, because Jesus said "Ye know not what ye ask." It would mean a life of sacrifice, not a life of popularity. But still they said, "we are able." Yet Jesus humbled Himself:

"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." Matthew 20:23.

Being God in flesh, Jesus could have told them more about the way things will be in the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, He just tells them to wait on God. God has it all prepared & figured out. And just like the prideful laborers in the vineyard, the disciples struggled to accept this. They wondered if James & John just might get those 2 positions:

"And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren."
Matthew 20:24.

But Jesus goes on to remind them what being positioned for greatness really means:

"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." Matthew 20:26‭-‬28.

A great chief is a great servant. A great boss should also be a great worker. A great Christian should be a great giver. We should be more concerned with what we can give rather than what we can gain. God will bless and take care of the rest!

Jesus even rides into Jerusalem on a humble donkey:

"Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." Matthew 21:5.

This triumphal entry was all based in humility!

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright." Psalm 20:7-8.

In remembering to trust God, we can truly rise above this world's standard for greatness. Pride makes way for a fall, but humility elevates us closer to God!