Be a Blessing – Matthew 20:28
The 19th century (1800s) was the “Age of Debates.” This was a time, before television and radio were so widespread, when Americans would come out to hear men debate religious topics. The Lord’s church grew and thrived during this period of time because people were interested in truth and they benefited from having truth set out and explained in direct contrast to error.
The 20th century (1900s) was the “Age of Gospel meetings/revivals.” This was also a time when many Americans were interested in religion, in truth, and in hearing the Gospel preached with enthusiasm and passion. The church grew during this century as many Americans accepted our invitations to come hear the Gospel preached by visiting evangelists.
The 21st century (2000s) is the “Age of Service.” We all know that we are living in a “post-Christian” society, a society that largely believes that Christianity (or “church”) is no longer relevant. This is especially true when you consider how few Americans actually worship anywhere on a regular basis.
According to the most recent Barna research report, 49% of Americans say “church” is “somewhat” or “very” important. Millennials (those 30 or under) are the most likely to find church irrelevant – only 2 in 10 believe it is important. In fact, 35% of Millennials are basically “anti-church.”
Is the church relevant? From a theological perspective, of course, the Bible teaches that the church is the body of Christ on earth; it is that body made up of people who have been saved by the blood of Christ (Col. 1:24). But from a practical perspective, again, people (largely speaking) just aren’t interested in the theology of the church.
Part of the preparation Christ did in getting people to listen to His message was to prepare their hearts by serving. Take a look at Matthew 20:20-28:
HUMANITY’S ISSUE – 20:20-21:
Self-centeredness! You know, we are all centered on self in one way or another. That’s not entirely wrong because I have needs that I know need to be met. But our society has moved into a “me-first” and “me-only” phase in so many ways.
James and John’s issue here is humanity’s issue – What’s in it for me?
JESUS’ ANSWER – 20:22-23:
Jesus responds to Zebedee’s wife by pointing out that He did not have the authority to put James and John on thrones in the kingdom of the Father. That decision would have to come from the Father Himself.
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THE APOSTLES’ INDIGNATION – 20:24:
Hearing this request by James and John, the other disciples feel indignant! Why should these two have such an honorable position in the kingdom of Christ? Peter had his reasons why he should be first. Andrew had his reasons. Philip had his reasons. Matthew had his reasons. Perhaps even Judas had his own reasons.
BE A BLESSING – 25-28:
Jesus never let a crisis go to waste in teaching His disciples important lessons about what it means to live a holy life.
Vs 25 – People who have no concern about God demand first priority. They have ambitions that walk over other people.
Vs 26 – In contrast to people who have no concern about God, those who are spiritually minded have to learn this lesson: If you want to be great, you’ve got to be a servant.
Vs 27 – If you want to be first, be the slave. The slave has no rights. The slave exists simply to serve. Serve. Serve. Serve. In what way are we going to serve?
Vs 28 – Then Jesus gives us the highest motivation to serve – The Son of Man did not come to serve but to give His life a ransom for many.
So, here’s the question. In seeking to help our compatriots see that the church is relevant today, who are we going to serve? How are we going to serve?
Who are in need in our community? Who are the ones who are the most likely to need friends? The Millennials (47%), Hispanics (47%), and never-married singles (44%) are the most likely to say they need friends.
But, of course, there are other groups who are easily overlooked in our society who need to see the church’s relevance as the body of Christ: Widows & widowers, those overcoming alcohol and drug addiction or other addictions, those with special needs children, the deaf, the blind. Who am I forgetting? Who are we forgetting?
What can we do to show our community that the church is relevant because the church serves. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the highest motivation to love others and serve them. Jesus did it. We should too.
–Paul Holland
