This Memorial Day weekend, Sam McCabe delves into the Gospel of Matthew, specifically focusing on Matthew 20:17-28. The message centers on Jesus' teachings about greatness in the Kingdom of God, contrasting it with worldly notions of greatness.

Key Themes:

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard:

• Sam begins by referencing the parable of the tenants, highlighting the radical nature of God's grace and mercy. This parable illustrates the inclusion of Gentiles into the promises of Israel, emphasizing that all are equal recipients of God's grace, regardless of when they come to faith.

Jesus Predicts His Suffering:

• Jesus foretells His betrayal, suffering, and resurrection to His disciples. Despite His clear predictions, the disciples struggle to grasp the full meaning of His words.

The Request of James and John's Mother:

• The mother of James and John asks Jesus for her sons to sit at His right and left in His kingdom. Jesus responds by challenging their understanding of greatness and the cost associated with it.

The Cup of Suffering:

• Jesus speaks of the "cup" He must drink, symbolizing the suffering and wrath He will endure. This metaphor is rooted in Old Testament imagery, where the cup often represents God's wrath against sin.

Redefining Greatness:

• Jesus teaches that true greatness in the Kingdom is marked by humility and service, not by power or status. He exemplifies this by His own life, coming not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

The Call to Suffer:

• Sam emphasizes that following Jesus involves embracing suffering as part of the Christian journey. Historical examples, such as the martyrdom of early Christians, illustrate the cost of discipleship.

The Example of Jesus:

• Jesus' life and death serve as the ultimate model of humility and service. His willingness to lower Himself and endure the cross is the path to true exaltation by God.

The Legacy of the Disciples:

• The sermon concludes with the stories of James and John, who ultimately embraced suffering for their faith, and the story of Polycarp, an early church martyr, who exemplified unwavering faith and courage.

Small Group Discussion Questions:

Reflect on the Parable:

• How does the parable of the workers in the vineyard challenge your understanding of fairness and grace? In what ways have you experienced God's grace in unexpected ways?

Understanding Suffering:

• How do you perceive the role of suffering in the Christian life? Can you share a time when you experienced growth or deeper faith through a period of suffering?

Redefining Greatness:

• What are some ways you can practice humility and service in your daily life? How does this align with Jesus' teaching on greatness?

Counting the Cost:

• Are there areas in your life where you need to count the cost of following Jesus more seriously? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with His example?

The Cup of Mercy:

• How does understanding the cup of suffering that Jesus drank enhance your appreciation for the cup of mercy we receive through communion?

Living the Upside-Down Kingdom:

• In what ways does the concept of the upside-down Kingdom challenge the values of our culture? How can you live out Kingdom values in your community?

Personal Reflection:

• Where is God calling you to walk in greater humility? How can you begin to implement this in your life today?