The solution for self-glory in church leaders

 Posted at Reformation Scotland:

When the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus asking a favour, her request was that her two sons would be allowed to sit on either side of Jesus in His kingdom (Matthew 20). As the conversation proceeds, it becomes clear that for several reasons, this was a very inappropriate request. Yet it expresses an aspiration that is still familiar in the church today. The desire for a place of honour in Christ’s kingdom can too often come from a spirit of competitiveness, one or two striving for preeminence over the other brothers. It mistakenly conflates spiritual greatness with earthly, worldly prominence, so that the glory of struggling and suffering is eclipsed by the glory of recognition and other people’s acclaim. In his commentary on this episode, David Dickson exposes this ambitiousness, and identifies the solution which Jesus provides. An updated excerpt is as follows.

The lengths people will go to get ahead

From this request to Christ for preferential treatment for the two apostles, James and John, we can learn, for one thing, how hard a thing it is to be rid of the love of this world, and of pleasant dreams about it. The apostles and their friends were still dreaming of an earthly kingdom of Christ, and of worldly honour for His servants, even though Christ told them the opposite so often, and was careful to prepare them rather for the cross in this world.

How necessary it is, too, for all to watch over their hearts, so that the love of the honour of this world does not creep in on them, when a bait presents itself! In hope of prevailing by means of their mother’s intervention, these two chiefe apostles are thus tickled and entangled with a vain and corrupt lust.

What means and instruments people will employ, to gain any earthly thing which they love! They would even play on their mother’s natural relationships to get her to make suit, and, for fear of being refused if she makes her specific request to start with, she opens with a general preface to oblige Christ first. “I desire a certain thing of thee,” she says, “Grant that these my sons may sit …” (Matt. 20:20–21)

Continue here.