THE LESSER DISCIPLES AND THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM

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Matthew 20:20-34
Lesson #49

THE LESSER DISCIPLES AND THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM

• Memory verse: Mat 20:27
• Previously we have studied the historical background on several of the disciples. We have studied some of the more well known disciples such as Andrew, Peter, James, John (lesson notes on Mat 4). We have studied Philip and Nathanael Bartholomew (lesson notes on Mat 10). However, we have not talked about all of the disciples.
• This lesson in chapter 20 presents a good opportunity to study some of the lesser known disciples. Jesus says in Mat 20:27 that whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. We do not know but that perhaps these lesser known disciples will be greater in the kingdom of heaven than those with which we are the most familiar.
  • Thaddaeus
    • We do not know a great deal about him other than he had three names and asked Jesus one question.
    • His father was named James, but we do not know anything about who this James was.
    • His three names:
      • =1= Thaddaeus = the female breast. The Jewish name.
      • =2= Lebbaeus = female devotion. The Greek equivalent of Thaddaeus. (Mat 10:3)
        • The idea behind these two names is an endearing, motherly name meaning = a “breast child” or “the child of a mother’s heart”.
        • There is another meaning attached to this name that may tell us about his character. The name can mean = courageous one.
      • =3= Judas = means Jehovah leads or he will be confessed.
    • Thaddaeus was not often called Judas in the gospels so as not to confuse him with Judas Iscariot or Judas (Jude) the half brother of Jesus.
    • The character of Thaddaeus and his ranking among the twelve disciples:
      • He was probably the youngest of all the disciples.
      • Other disciples possibly used the meaning of Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus to tease him about his youth as well as to show him an endearing affection.
    • His question to Jesus in John 14:22:
      • “Lord, how is that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”
        • Jesus had explained the answer to Thomas and Philip, but he still did not understand.
        • Thaddaeus was not ashamed to confess his ignorance and his hunger for knowledge of the Lord.
      • We need to be more like Thaddaeus!
        • Because Thaddaeus loved Jesus, he wanted to understand deeper truths.
        • Because he called Jesus, Lord, he had some understanding of who Jesus was. (1Cor 12:3)
    • His previous occupation: We do not know what he did before he became a disciple or how he happened to follow Jesus.
    • Information from sources outside the Bible regarding his ministry and his death:
      • Legend says that after the crucifixion, he served the Lord in Edessa, Syria where King Adgar, suffered from an incurable disease and called for Thaddaeus to help. The king was healed under Thaddaeus’ ministry as well as many people in the city. It caused a great revival for Christ.
      • Later, after the death of King Adgar, he and his companions were arrested and martyred in Schavarschar.
  • Simon Zelotes, the Cananaean (the Zealot)
    • Simon is called Zelotes which means Zealot.
    • Simon is also called the Cananaean. It does not mean he was from Cana or that he was a Canaanite. The Canaanites were Gentiles, but Simon was a Jew.
    • The term “Cananaean” comes from the Hebrew word Kana and means = one who is zealous. Therefore, all these terms mean the same thing. They identify Simon as a member of the radical group of Zealots who rebelled against Roman authority.
      • They were the terrorists of that day.
      • Remember that Barabbas, who was freed at Jesus’ crucifixion, was also a Zealot who murdered to get money for the organization.
    • The political group of Zealots insisted on the traditional interpretation of the Law of Moses. They looked for a Messiah who would restore the kingdom to Israel and reign as a king. Their leader was Judas Samala. The group did many crimes in the name of patriotism. At the time of Christ, several leaders were put to death by Roman authority because the group exercised great persuasion with the people.
    • These terms not only tell us about Simon’s political affiliation but they also tell us about his character. He was an ardent man, burning with zeal and enthusiasm.
    • The Bible, however, does not tell us any words or deeds by Simon, the Zealot.
    • Simon’s change of focus:
      • We do not know how Simon came to meet Jesus and follow Him. However, we know that Simon chose to follow Jesus and drop his relationship with the Zealots and with the leader, Judas Samala. This indicates that Christ changed him greatly and gave him a new focus in life.
      • Simon came to discover that true freedom must first occur in the spirit and by truth, not by revolution and hatred.
      • Because Simon continued to be called Zealot even after following Jesus, tells us that zealousness was part of his character though no longer part of his politics.
      • We know he no longer held the same political views because he seemed to get along with Matthew, the hated tax collector. The political Zealots hated those Jews who worked for Rome.
    • Information from sources outside the Bible concerning Simon:
      • According to legend, he was a missionary who preached in Egypt and Africa and then went to England.
      • Later Simon joined Thaddaeus and both ministered in the Parthinian Empire governed by two brothers, one reigned at Babylon and the other in Persia.
      • Both Simon and Thaddaeus had a violent death at Colchis where Simon was sawn in two. (Heb 11:37)
• Read Mat 20:20-28 The false and the true ambition
  • The difference between Matthew’s story and Mark’s story:
    • In Mar 10:35-45 James and John make the request for a high position in the kingdom.
      • In Matthew it is their mother who makes the request.
      • Perhaps the truth of the matter lies in the explanation that all three had the same ambition. Why?
    • We have studied the background of James and John. You will recall that James and John were related to Jesus. Their mother, Salome, was the sister of Jesus’ mother, Mary. Therefore, James and John were cousins to Jesus. Perhaps that is why they thought Jesus would honor their request above the other disciples.
    • James’ and John’s request for honor and position angered the rest of the disciples. Jesus uses the problem to teach them all.
    • Jesus response tells us the difference between false and true ambition in the kingdom of God.
      • False ambition:
        • The disciples were thinking of personal success filled with pride and personal honor without any personal sacrifice on their part.
        • In the world, great success is gained by controlling other people.
      • True ambition:
        • Jesus tells them that true greatness is found not in dominance and pride for personal honor, but in paying the great price of losing one’s self in serving others.
        • In the kingdom of God, great success is gained by serving God and other people.
        • Notice that the kingdom of God works opposite from the world system.
    • The bitter cup:
      • Notice that even though Jesus told them that they would experience in life a “bitter cup“, none of them turned away from Christ. As we have seen in the history of the disciples, they remained true to Christ to the end.
      • All of the disciples were martyred for their testimony of Christ except for John who suffered long periods of time in prison and died a natural death in his 90’s.
      • To drink the “bitter cup” means to follow Christ wherever He leads and to be like Christ in every situation of life. It means to give up selfish desires and personal ambition for the sake of Christ.
  • What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?
    • Jesus was patient with the human qualities of his disciples. He often rebuked them for their lack of faith but He did not rebuke them for natural human tendencies. He took those human characteristics and redirected them for God.
    • Jesus trusted His disciples with the truth about the end of their lives. He knew they would maintain their loyalty no matter what the future held.
    • Jesus did not ask his disciples to do something He was unwilling to do.
      • Jesus was the greatest servant of man.
      • One day He will be the King in His kingdom for which Simon, the Zealot, hoped.
    • What principles do you find in this passage that bring success in the kingdom of God? Humility and service to God and to others.
• Read Mat 20:29-34 healing of the two blind men
  • It was the custom for a rabbi to teach as he walked along.
    • These two blind men evidently heard Jesus teaching as they sat by the road. They seized the opportunity to be noticed when Jesus passed.
    • People pressured them to be quiet. However, they did not listen to the pressures of worldly people. Instead they listened to the call of the Holy Spirit. Like all the people Jesus ministered to, these two men had an imperfect faith. However, they responded with what faith they had.
    • They called to Jesus as the son of David. We have learned that this meant they believed He was the Messiah who was to come as a reigning king.
  • What do you learn about Jesus from this miracle?
    • It tells us that Jesus had great compassion to the depths of his being.
    • The King is passionate about physical as well as spiritual blindness!
  • What do you learn about faith from this miracle?
    • Faith is persistent despite worldly persuasion to the opposite.
    • Faith is grateful to God for answered prayer.
    • True faith prompts one to love Christ more and more so that you follow him.

Homework

Matthew 21:1-11

• Application of Mat 20:20-34
  • Examine your attitude!
    • Do you do Christian work so that others around you will be impressed?
    • Write your motive for serving the Lord.
  • What do you learn from the disciples’ experience that you need to put into practice in your life?
• Preparation for Mat 21:1-11
  • For background on the Passover, read Exo 12 and Lev 23:1-5.
    • What was the main ingredient necessary for the celebration of the Passover?
  • Read Mat 21:1-11
    • What do you notice in verse 6 that is different from the actions of a reigning king?
    • What does this tell you about Jesus as the Messiah?
• Memory verse: John 1:36