Scripture Background: Matthew 20:20-28; 21:1-11
Today’s first-person sermon (dramatic monologue) seeks to vividly retell the biblical story from the vantage point of John, the Apostle. John and his brother James earned the anger of their fellow disciples by asking if they could sit on Jesus’ right and left hands in glory. Jesus used this occasion to teach on the meaning and importance of serving others (Matt. 20:20-28). Greatness in the kingdom comes through serving, not being served. Jesus Himself modeled the life of a servant in life and in death by offering His life as a sacrifice for sins.
Afterward, Jesus sent two of His disciples (John included) to prepare the way for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11). Jesus’ public and triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt occurred on what is called Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of the Passion week, the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
John, the Apostle
Along with his brother James, John was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve (Matt. 4:21-22) while they were fishing. John, the son of Zebedee (his mother was probably Salome) along with his brother James received from Jesus the nickname “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder (Mk. 3:17). Their nickname was fitting. On one occasion, James and John requested that the unresponsive Samaritan village be destroyed by fire called down from heaven (Lk. 9:51-54)!
Everything in Scripture suggests that John, “the beloved disciple” (Jn. 13:23) was very close to Jesus. His prominence among the Twelve is indicated by his presence, along with James and Peter, at the raising of Jairus’s daughter by Jesus (Mk. 5:37), at the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17:1), and with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37). Along with Peter, John was entrusted by Jesus with preparations for the Passover supper (Lk, 22:8).
Five New Testament writings are attributed to John, the Apostle (Gospel of John; 1, 2, 3 John; and Revelation). Tradition states that John moved to Asia Minor, and that from there he was banished to the Island of Patmos (during Domitian’s reign, A. D. 81-96). Later, he returned to Ephesus, where he died some time after Trajan became emperor in A. D. 98.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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