Leviticus 1-3, Matthew 20
There is a cost for our sins that we don't realize too often in this world. It is so easy to pass off the "bad things" in our lives because "everyone does it". But as we read about the different rituals of sacrifice in the beginning of Leviticus, we can get a better idea of what the people used to go through to be cleansed.
Today, we have Jesus, Who died as our ultimate sacrifice for our sins, so we no longer needed to offer sacrifices. He has made it very possible and easy to come to Him now as opposed to Moses' time. This can cause us to forget what He has done for us though, as we go about life. We'll continue to read about the different sacrifices over the next day or two, but there were many of them that meant different things at that time. Each one covered a different type of sin or profession to God. Jesus did all of that for us, however.
Jesus goes into what the value of the Kingdom of Heaven is like, as He compares it to workers who get a day of pay no matter what time they started. I don't know about you, but I'm sure I would have raised an eyebrow if I worked from 9-5 and was paid the same amount as someone who worked 4-5. But we learn from this that the Kingdom is open to all who put their trust in Christ, whether it be at the beginning of life or at the end. We never know when this life will end, but if you trust in Christ, you will be rewarded the Kingdom!
As the mother of James and John asks if her sons could sit at Christ's left and right in the Kingdom, Jesus reminds her of the bitter cup He will have to partake to gain the Kingdom. The definition of a leader in heaven is so much different than ones here on earth. While here on earth, leaders have lots of success, get honored everywhere they go, have people working for them, and get what is first at all times, in Christ's definition they are humble and go last, serving others and act as slaves. Jesus is our example of this. "For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many."
The blind men didn't care what others thought of them as they shouted for Christ from the side of the road. They wanted Christ. We should be like those men, shouting and yearning for Him, no matter what others in this world think of us. You can count the cost of your sin, of what it means to follow Him, and what it looks like to be a ruler for Him. Is it worth it to you? Do you want Christ bad enough that you are willing to sacrifice life for His direction? Count the cost, and find that He is worth it all.
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