Some of the disciples felt double-crossed. They expected perks, priority, position. Instead they got a double-cross in which the more VERTICAL their relationship to God, the more HORIZONTAL their relationships with others.

We all have a favorite restaurant. What's yours? [Make this an interactive moment in the sermon by having the people call out their favorites.] What's the one restaurant in which the food is just to your liking, the service gracious, and the ambiance enfolds you in comfort and well-being?

Depending on your taste and style, this favorite dining spot could be an elegant, pricey little bistro or a neighborhood greasy spoon. Sometimes both types of establishments hold a particular appeal for us and the one we choose depends on our mood, our company or the occasion.

As f…