Conversations: Overhearing Jesus talk with People on Their Journey - Mother of the Sons of Thunder - Billy Russell (03/24/19)

Conversations- Overhearing Jesus Talk with People on Their Journeys

                            “A Mother’s Request for Family Honor”

                                          (Matthew 20:17-28)

 

           “Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and,       

                              kneeling down, asked a favor of him.” (Mt.20:20, NIV)

 

Jesus takes his last walk from Jericho up to Jerusalem. It’s a long, arduous day-trip. He begins the journey by telling the disciples why he is going to Jerusalem and what will happen there (Mt.20:17-19). Jesus has interesting talks with people, who all want something from him. What can we learn from overhearing/observing how Jesus joins with people? We will see the simple and profound practice of being with people on their journeys is how we share Jesus with them.

 

                             Learning from Jesus’ Conversation

 

Listen with interest like you’re truly interruptible (20:20-21).

     “Then”- What happens when you’re doing something important and

                  “then” something else happens...

     Especially to your own family (cf.Mt.27:55-56; Mk.15:40; Jn.19:25)!

 

 Respond with gentleness even to selfish ambition (20:22-23).

     Even though your heart is full w/ another more important matter.

     Even though your mind is pre-occupied w/ something more worthwhile.

     Even though they may not really understand.

 

Huddle up with purpose to focus on the mission (20:24-28).

     Address the obvious (conflict, emotion, moment)- acknowledge/redirect

     Change the focus (this, not that)- keep it short!

     Point to the Model (Jesus)- and why He’s better!