A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

GRACE IS GRACE     

Matthew 20:23 (Read Matthew 20:20-23) “ . . . These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” 

God is a god of Grace. Unlike in this world of bargaining, deal making, bartering, etc., God always does what He does motivated by His undeserved love and kindness.   

The mother of the sons of Zebedee had an idea. She decided to go to Jesus to implore Him to give her sons seats of honor in His kingdom. No insight is given for what basis she presented to Jesus for her request. One can only guess she thought since they were Jesus’ disciples they should have seats of high honor. 

The fact was for them and is for you, no preference is given to anyone based upon their earthly station in life. The President of the United States will stand before God on Judgement Day to be judged not based upon his title, earthly responsibilities, etc. He will be judged the same way as you.   

How then will you be judged? Jesus says, “ No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7) Only through your faith in Jesus believing in Him as your Lord and Savior are you able to stand before God to be received by Him into His kingdom. In the opening words of John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” 

By God’s undeserved love, through the faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit has gifted you, will you be saved. Faith in Jesus is the only way into heaven; there is no other way. (Acts 4:12) Only Jesus pleads for you! (1 John 2:1)  

Prayer: Into Your hands, dear Jesus, I commit myself, body, mind, soul, and spirit trusting in you to my eternal life. To You be the honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.  
Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.  

Jesus, Remember Me // LSB 767