Hey, this is Stephen Ferdick. I'm the pastor of Elevation Church and this is our podcast.

I wanted to thank you for joining us today. Hope this inspires you. Hope it builds your

faith. Hope it gives you perspective to see God as moving in your life. Enjoy the message.

Matthew 20, verse 20. I did not. I'd love to say that I planned to start the year 2020

with Matthew 20, verse 20. I did not plan that. That maybe God did. That was coincidental.

I'm not that smart, but God is. Matthew 20, 20 is the verse I want to start with today.

And let me read this in its entirety and then come along and preach behind it and give

you a little bit of longing along. Matthew 20, verse 20, then the mother of Zebedee's

sons came to Jesus with her sons and kneeling down as the favor of him. What is it you want?

He asked. And she said, grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and

the other at your left in your kingdom. You do not know what you are asking Jesus said

to them. Can you drink the cup? I am going to drink. We can. They answer. It's kind of

cocky. You know, we can. Jesus said to them, you will indeed drink from my cup, but to

sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom

they have been prepared by my father. And when the tin heard about this, they were indignant

with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, you know that the rulers of the

Gentiles lured it over them and their high officials exercised authority over them, not

so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. And

whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the son of man did not come to be served,

but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Amen. What a fascinating little story.

What a great place to talk about this subject of kingdom, clout. And before I forget this,

Holly said it stressed her out last night because I didn't give a title for the message.

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