Kingdom Principle: The disciples are struggling to grasp Jesus’ real purpose in coming to earth. He came in order that he might die. The disciples aren’t ready for this. They don’t want Jesus to die. This hesitancy is seen in our own hearts as we would much rather pursue fame and fortune instead of following Jesus into selfless service. The Disciples Want to be ___________________________Luke 9:46 (ESV) — 46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. Greatness is defined by using the gifts that God has given to us to serve others.Ephesians 4:7–8 (ESV) — 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” Jesus understands not only that they want to be great, that is obvious by their conversation, he knows why they want to be great.Mark 9:35 (ESV) — 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” [JC] Ryle reminds us that pride keeps recurring in us, though ‘Of all creatures none has so little right to be proud as man’. He adds, ‘of all men none ought to be so humble as the Christian.’Mark 10:45 (ESV) — 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Calls us to be ________________________Luke 9:47–48 (ESV) — 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Children had no rights, they had no privileges, they had no say in the affairs of the household. They were not prominent members of society. Rather, children were often viewed more like servants than heirs.“Morning sleep, midday wine, chattering with children, and tarrying in places where men of the common people assemble, destroy a man.”God’s glory is seen in his desire to save mankind, not only in saving them from demons, but also from saving them from their sins. And that desire is manifested (executed) in Jesus coming to earth to serve sinners by dying for them. (Mark 10:45)Acts 17:24–25 (ESV) — 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. Romans 11:35–36 (ESV) — 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. To be truly great, is not to compare your gifts and talents against others, in order to highlight your superiority, to be truly great is to use your gifts and talents to serve others.Question to consider:How are you using the gifts, talents, resources that God has given you to bless others?
