Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will help others.
Faith Verse
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Question of the Day: What are you asking Jesus for?
Read about It
Read: Matthew 20:20–23
Have you ever used your parents to pass on a message for you? Maybe you were too nervous to ask a question yourself, so you had them ask. James and John may have used their mother in a similar way. She asked for something from Jesus for them. They wanted to receive a high honor in His kingdom. But did they even know what following Jesus would require of them?
It’s funny to think that James and John thought they could handle this suffering when they didn’t seem to even have the courage to ask Jesus the question on their own. Jesus didn’t correct them for their question, but He did make it clear that following Him would involve great suffering for those two.
It’s possible that we might go through hard times for following Jesus, too. And like James and John later did, our trust in Jesus can help us make it through whatever problems come our way. Rather than asking for fancy titles or positions, let’s ask Him to help us follow Him no matter the cost.
Talk about It
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Question 1. Who made the request to Jesus for James and John to sit beside Him in heaven? Answer 1. Their mother (Matthew 20:20)
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| Question 2. Why do you think James and John’s mother asked the question?
Answer 2. Answers will vary.
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| Question 3. Why do you think Jesus asked if they were ready to suffer like He would?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
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| Question 4. Who did Jesus say would decide which people would sit in those seats of honor?
Answer 4. God the Father (Matthew 20:23)
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| Question 5. Think about the things you have prayed for recently. Were your requests more like or unlike James and John’s request?
Answer 5. Answers will vary. |
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, help us not to desire applause or praise, but to focus on serving You. Amen.