Jesus Teaches True Greatness

Mark 9:33-39; 10:13-16, 42-45

GOLDEN TEXT: “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to ministry, and to give His life a ransom for many.”—Mark 10:45

FOLLOWING the Transfiguration vision, considered in our last lesson, Jesus, together with His disciples, passed through Galilee, and came to Capernaum. Care was taken that the journey be made privately, for Jesus knew that His enemies were plotting to kill Him. His ministry was drawing rapidly to a close, yet the Master knew that the due time for His death had not quite arrived, so He exercised caution as to His movements. He was ready to die when the time came, but His times were in the Father’s hands, and Ile wanted to leave them there.

He announced to His disciples, nevertheless, that He expected to be killed, and assured them that He would be raised from the dead on the third day, but they failed to comprehend what He meant. To them He was the Messiah and it was unthinkable that the Messiah of Cod could be killed by His enemies. Indeed, instead of profiting by the warning the Master gave them, they spent their time while journeying through Galilee arguing among themselves as to whom would he greatest in the Messianic Kingdom.

Jesus knew of this dispute, and when they reached Capernaum and had found shelter, He asked them what it was they were disputing, about on the way. Not realizing that He knew the answer, they said nothing, evidently being ashamed for Him to know of their ambition. But Jesus was considerate. He didn’t force a confession from them, but simply took the occasion to explain the better way, the way of humility and service. What a kind method this was of correcting those who were wrong!

The flesh likes to expose the wrongs of others, but often it isn’t really necessary to do so. If in a Bible study meeting, for example, we hear a brother or sister make a comment that we know to be wrong, it is seldom necessary to speak up and say so-and-so is wrong. Even the chairman of the meeting should exercise care in correcting those having the wrong viewpoint or understanding. It is better to kindly explain the point correctly, without unnecessarily emphasizing the mistaken idea.

Instead of telling the disciples it was wrong for them to dispute as to who among them would be greatest in the Kingdom, Jesus explained that the greatest would be he who, first of all, became least. Those who are “last” now, will be “first” then. This is a very heart-searching lesson for all of the Lord’s people. To learn and practice it will help to keep us in our proper places before the Lord and in the church. Striving for position and honor and power has no proper place among the followers of Christ.

Jesus’ answer to the inquiry concerning one who was casting out devils in His name, but working independently, is worthy of note. It, too, is a lesson in humility, in the sense that it is so easy for us to get the idea that we are the “only people.” It is proper that we endeavor to be convinced that we are serving the Lord in the Lord’s way; but this does not imply the necessity of condemning those who may not be serving with us.

It is not necessary, though, to read more into this account than what it contains. It doesn’t mean that it makes no difference how we serve the Lord, or that the Lord recognizes all who profess to serve Him irrespective of how much their efforts may be contrary to His will. All it should mean to us is, that we leave others in the Lord’s hands. If they profess to serve the Lord, they are certainly not opposed to Him; and the Lord knows best how to deal with them, and, accordingly reward them.

The natural minded disciples couldn’t understand why Jesus their Lord and Master, could be interested in, and devote time to children. They rebuked those who brought children to Him. They probably thought it was beneath the dignity of the Messiah and King of Israel to pay any attention to children. But again they were wrong. Again they were to learn that the divine viewpoint of such matters is quite different from the fallen human viewpoint.

Jesus was great because of His humility and kindness and love. He didn’t need to be “built up” in the minds of the people by form and ceremony. True greatness is displayed, not in the exercise of power and authority, but in the service that can be rendered, no matter how trivial or menial that service may seem. At times, the physical strain of Jesus’ ministry was so great that He found it necessary to retire for rest, but He never held Himself aloof from the people, not even little children when they besought Him, in order to enhance an appearance of dignity and greatness.

The childlike qualities of humility, trustfulness and sincerity are absolutely essential if we are to be worthy of reigning with Christ. In these things we must become “as little children” if we are to enter into the glory of the Kingdom. (Matt. 18:3) When using this illustration Jesus didn’t mean that those who share His Kingdom reign will be those who die in infancy. Only the mature of mind can properly be followers of the Master, but such must be childlike in their faith. They must be humble and pure. They must be like Jesus if they are to be joint-heirs with Him in His Kingdom.

QUESTIONS:

Is it always necessary to tell people when they are wrong?

Is God pleased with all those who profess to serve Him?

Is assertiveness and authority over our fellowmen a sign of greatness?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |