This is the manuscript of the second sermon in the Christ Church Los Angeles sermon series leading up to election day in the United States, which is Tuesday November 5, 2024.
Scripture
Matthew 20:20-28 NIV [20] Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. [21] “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” [22] “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. [23] Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” [24] When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Introduction
Oftentimes, our reactions to the prevailing political-partisan issues are due to a lack of perspective. Yes, who is elected President of the United States, the Senate and the House of Representatives and our state and local officials is important. It matters and could have profound consequences for people, policies, and nations. However, it is easy to be so consumed with the media hype and heated rhetoric that we lose sight of Paul’s admonition to Christians, believers in our text for today which is;
Text
Philippians 3:20 NIV [20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
This scripture clearly states that while we are physically citizens of the United States, we have a duel citizenship we also have a spiritual citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. While we are citizens of the United States our ultimate loyalty and hope lie in a heavenly realm which is ruled by God and not man.
This the second sermon of a series leading up to election day which is Tuesday November 5th, addressing five themes that will help us in the church navigate all the anxiety and negativity surrounding this election. The themes are
The Kingdom of God
Unity
Humility
Kindness
Love
Last week we talked about love which helps us obey what it says in
Romans 12:17-18 NIV [17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
This time is an opportunity for us to let our lights shine. To take our lamps from under the bushel, to be that lighthouse to show the world what real love is and lead them to Christ.
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV [14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
This week I want us to focus on the fact that while we are citizens of the United States we really have a dual citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Whoever is elected, whatever propositions pass or not passed, Jesus Christ is still Lord of all, and the King of Kings is still seated on his throne. The success of His kingdom is not dependent on or beholden to any candidate or platform. Whatever we see, God made. Whatever we behold, He controls. If it’s beautiful, God was the artist. If it’s awesome, God gets the glory. He’s the Creator and King over every atom of it!
Christianity has thrived for thousands of years in all kinds of cultures and governments and under all kinds of leaders.
In the passage, James read, Matthew 20:20-28, we encounter a striking scene that challenges our earthly understanding of success, power, and influence.
Jesus is confronted by a mother who, on behalf of her sons, seeks a place of prominence in His kingdom. Her request, while understandable, is met with a surprising response that reveals a profound truth about the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Mother's Request
The mother's request is rooted in a desire for her sons to be exalted. She envisions them occupying positions of power and influence.
Matthew 20:20-21NIV [20] Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. [21] “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
It's a natural human aspiration, one that many of us can relate to. We often strive for success, recognition, and a sense of significance.
Jesus' response is unexpected.
Instead of granting her request outright, He asks her a question: "What do you want?" This question seeks to identify her motives. Is she truly seeking the well-being of her sons, or is she driven by a desire for worldly status and prestige?
When the mother affirms her desire for her sons to be seated on Jesus' right and left in His kingdom, Jesus' response is even more surprising.
He tells her that her sons will indeed drink from His cup and be baptized with His baptism indicating that they too would experience suffering and sacrifice for his sake. However, He also clarifies that this does not guarantee them positions of power or authority.
Matthew 20:23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
Jesus’ response emphasizes the idea of grace and God's sovereignty in determining who will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Salvation and eternal rewards are ultimately a gift from God, not something that can be earned or deserved through human effort. God has a plan for each person, and those who are faithful to him will receive the blessings that he has prepared for them.
The Great Reversal
The key to understanding Jesus' response lies in the concept of the "great reversal." In the Kingdom of Heaven, the traditional values of power, prestige, and worldly success are turned upside down. Those who are considered great in the world's eyes may be humbled, while those who are considered lowly may be exalted.
Jesus often spoke about how those who are considered humble and lowly in the world will be exalted in the Kingdom of Heaven, while the proud and powerful will be brought low.
Matthew 19:28-30 NIV [28] Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [29] And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. [30] But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
It's a paradox that suggests that those who seem to be in the best position or have the most advantages may not actually be the ones who inherit the Kingdom. Conversely, those who may seem disadvantaged or insignificant could be the ones who ultimately receive the greatest blessings.
important in the Kingdom.
This idea is exemplified in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector where the humble tax collector is justified before God, while the self-righteous Pharisee is condemned.
Luke 18:9-14 NIV[9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
In a world often driven by competition, materialism, and self-promotion, this parable which identifies what happens in the Kingdom of Heaven offers a refreshing perspective.
Those who are truly humble and recognize their dependence on God may be the ones who inherit the Kingdom, even if they don't seem to have much in the world.
God can bless those who are least expected, showing that His ways are not always the same as human ways.
Here are some ways we can apply this principle in our daily lives:
Instead of striving for recognition or superiority, we can cultivate humility. This involves acknowledging our limitations, being open to learning from others, and recognizing the contributions of those around us.
We can find fulfillment and purpose by serving others and simply being kind and compassionate to those people we come in contact with.
Empathy and understanding are essential qualities in a world that can often feel divided. By putting ourselves in the shoes of others, we can cultivate compassion and work towards building a more just and equitable society.
By appreciating the blessings in our lives, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and humility.
By embracing these principles, we can contribute to a more just and loving world, and show what happens in the Kingdom of Heaven.
This challenges our normal expectations, where power, wealth, and status are often seen as indicators of success.
We Christians today like Jesus' disciples, who have been following Him faithfully, expect to be rewarded for our loyalty and sacrifice. However, Jesus reminds us that in His kingdom, the greatest are those who serve others.
Matthew 20: 24-28 [24] When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Conclusion
Our scripture today challenges our worldly understanding of success and power. It reminds us that true greatness is not found in earthly possessions or achievements, but in serving others and following God's will.
Matthew 22:37-40 NIV [37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
When we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mine and our neighbors as ourselves, we will truly experience the greatness of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV [19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven we are called to live differently, to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly possessions, over race, over politics, and the other things that divide us. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven we are to serve others with compassion, and to love one another as God loves us.
John 3:16 NIV [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
I want to share something that I read a few days ago. It is from a message to congregants across Saddleback Church’s 15 locations in Southern California from their Lead Pastor Andy Wood.
"The person you want to win might not win. The person that you vote for might not be the next president. I would say, friends, God causes kings to rise and fall, kingdoms to rise and fall, and He is supreme. He is the one who is the authority. He is the one who is seated on His throne,"
"From generation to generation, Christians were burned at the stake in the first century of the Early Church, and the Church grew exponentially. Jesus said, 'I will build my Church, and the Gates of Hell will not prevail against it,'" And the question is, can the Church still thrive regardless of who's in office? And that is a resounding yes,"
"Yes, we're in a critical hour. Yes, your vote matters. But at the end of the day, have faith and confidence that God can do what God says He will do, regardless of what happens."
Let us embrace our citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven and strive to live out its values in our daily lives. May we be beacons of hope, love, and righteousness in a world that often seems dark and troubled. And may we always remember that our true home is not here on earth, but in the Kingdom of Heaven, where peace and joy reign eternal.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the reminder that we are citizens of Your Kingdom. Thank You for Your love and grace that have made us part of this glorious realm.
Help us to live up to our citizenship. Grant us the courage to be ambassadors of Your love in this world. May our lives reflect Your light and Your truth.
Guide us as we navigate the challenges of this earthly life. Give us wisdom to make good choices and strength to endure trials.
We pray for peace in our hearts and in the world. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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