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Matthew 20:20-23
In Matthew 20:20-23 the mother of James and John comes to Jesus with a question and a wish that her two sons be allowed to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in His eternal kingdom. The reply of Jesus is that she does not fully realize and understand what it is that she asks of Him, and that this is a decision that is made only by the Father God Almighty.
This is an example of being zealous for the Lord.
The mother of James and John did not do a bad thing or sin by asking her question of the Lord Jesus; she was simply desiring for her sons to be guaranteed a place in the kingdom of God. It is good to be zealous for the Lord and for our loved ones to be a part of the kingdom as well, but as the Apostle Paul teaches us, we need to have the right focus on our zealousness in the Lord. He states in 1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV), “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” And as Paul gives instructions to Titus, he states, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
Dear LORD,
It is a great thing when a person comes to a point in life and in his/her relationship with You to be zealous for You and Your kingdom – to be a part of it, and of the actions that bring You glory through his/her life, works, and deeds. Please help us to see that in doing so, it is not about the individual, but the body of Christ Jesus – the body of the Church that should be the goal of all our zealousness in the Lord Jesus Christ, Your One and only Son whom You sent to save us all from sin. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.