Following Jesus On The Road To The Cross

This sermon examines Matthew 20:17-34, contrasting two different approaches to Jesus as He journeys toward His crucifixion. On one hand, James and John's mother seeks positions of prominence for her sons in Christ's kingdom, representing self-centered ambition. On the other hand, two blind beggars simply cry out for mercy and sight, representing humble dependence on Christ. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus was deliberately walking toward the cross with full knowledge of what awaited Him—betrayal, mockery, flogging, and crucifixion. The disciples, however, were climbing the wrong mountain, seeking worldly status rather than understanding Jesus' mission. The core message challenges believers to examine whether they are pursuing prominence, power, and possessions, or whether they are seeking Jesus Himself with opened eyes. True greatness in God's kingdom comes through servanthood and self-surrender, not self-promotion. The pathway to real life requires losing one's life for Christ's sake rather than attempting to preserve comfort and security. The sermon concludes with a powerful call to pray not for position, but for spiritual sight and mercy.