WHO WANTS TO BE FIRST

8/18/91
WHO WANTS TO BE FIRST?
MATTHEW 20: 25 - 28
(PAGE 1442 COME ALIVE BIBLE)
JESUS CHRIST said, "Whoever desires to be first among you, let
him be your slave ---"
That wouldn't get Him major booking on today's motivational
speaking circuit. That is antithetical to what today's market
mandates. When people are looking for the latest technique to
use in making a mega power play, they don't want to hear any of
that kind of talk.
Today's toast is made to "Numero Uno."
Who is the greatest? You know - moi.
For whom are you to look out? Number one.
Our culture is drunk on a me-myself-and-I syndrome.
On center stage comes Jesus Christ to address today's audience
with that mentality and what does He say:
"Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your
slave..."
The mandate of the moment is: "Show me how to get up the
cooperate ladder." The drive to ascend that ladder results in a
ladder of contrasting conduct. It might be depicted by one
climber who licks the shoes of those on the rung above while
stomping the hands of the one on the rung beneath. In essence,
do what is to your advantage to gain advantage while doing all
you can to the disadvantage of others.

Blowing out another person's candle doesn't make yours shine any
brighter.
I. THERE WAS AN EXCLUSIVE SOUGHT
Matthew, as well as Mark, records a testy moment when the
disciples of Jesus jockeyed for position. They are two different
accounts of similar experiences. Matthew tells the one where the
mother of two disciples of Jesus came to Him privately seeking
status fo ...

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