The Greatest in the Kingdom

May 17

Think About It

• What are some topics of advice you have given to others?

• How does the advice you have given match up with the statement “We tend to teach others what we need to hear ourselves.”

• Jesus discovered the disciples struggling with the concept of greatness … today we look at what greatness means in God’s Kingdom.

Listen how Jesus catches the disciples in an embarrassing moment.Mark 9:33-34 (NIV) They came to Capernaum.

When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" [34] But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

Focusing on Ourselves

• Jesus asks the disciples what they had been discussing. How did they respond?

• What does the disciples’ argument tell you about their lack of understanding who Jesus was and why He had come?

• What does it seem to say about their understanding of Jesus’ Kingdom?

Focusing on Ourselves

They were focusing on individual desires which created a competitive environment.

• How do we competitively strive to be the “greatest”?

This competitive environment typically leads to conflict and ill will.

• How does such an environment cause ill will among Christians today?

Focusing on Ourselves

• How does focusing on yourself and your own desires affect your service to God, your contribution to the Kingdom of God?

• Listen to what Paul has to say about weakness (an antonym of greatness).

Focusing on Ourselves

• 2 Cor. 12:9-10 (NIV) But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Why did Paul “boast” about his weakness, not his greatness?

Listen for the enigma in these two verses.

Luke 22:26 (NIV) … the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Mark 9:35 (NIV) Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Focusing on Jesus

• How did Jesus explain what it means to be great?

• Why do you think this would have surprised the disciples?

• Look at what happened to a man who came to salvation in the book of Acts.

Focusing on Jesus

Acts 8:9 (NIV) Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, … [13] Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

Focusing on Jesus• What happened when Simon changed his

focus?

• According to what Jesus said, how should we treat people of “lower status”?

• How can you become a “servant of all” in your everyday actions and attitudes?

Before After

Listen for the object lesson Jesus used to make his point.

Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV) He called a little child and had him stand among them. [3] And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the

Listen for the object lesson Jesus used to make his point.

greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mark 9:37 (NIV) "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Focus on Ministry

Consider these facts about children in Jesus’ day• Children held a low place in society• Aramaic word for “child” also meant “servant”• Children symbolized innocence, helplessness,

vulnerability

Focus on Ministry

• What effect do you think the example of a child had on the disciples?

• What concepts did Jesus communicate by using a child?

• What does it mean to welcome someone in Jesus’ name?

Focus on Ministry

• Besides children, what other people are often characterized as lowly, innocent, helpless, vulnerable?

• What opportunities do we have to welcome children and others who are lowly, helpless, etc.?

Application

• Meditate on how Jesus would challenge us to measure greatness today– Jesus challenged the disciples to serve the needs

of others– Do this instead of focusing on increasing your

social standing– Do this instead of pursuing economic power and

influence

Application

• What is one specific way you can serve another person this week?– Call them and encourage them– Ask them if you can give them a helping hand– Set aside time out of your schedule to spend time

with someone in need

Application

• Jesus spoke of ministering to children– Investing in their lives is investing in future

generations– Pray and work so that the next generation is

spiritually stronger than our generation– Learn from their joy and excitement about

knowing and serving Jesus

The Greatest in the Kingdom

May 17