Becoming a Bigshot in the Kingdom: Christ's Radical Requirements for Leaders - Nathan Rages

 

Matthew 20:20-28 records the story of James and John's audacious attempt to get themselves appointed to the top two positions in Christ's Kingdom. This causes indignation from the other ten apostles and leads to Jesus teaching about the topic of pursuing leadership positions in the church -- showing how radically His Kingdom differs from the World.

The Wrong Way to pursue leadership:
1. Using personal influence to gain advantage (v20-21).
2. Pursuing roles that are not understood (v22).
3. Inciting discord among brethren (v24).
4. Copying worldly power structures (v25-26).

The Right Way to pursue leadership:
1. Accepting the cup of suffering (v22-23).
2. Submitting to God’s plans (v23).
3. Excelling at sacrificial service (v26-27).
4. Following Jesus’ perfect example (v28).