Greatest in the Kingdom:

Mark 9:33 “...And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?...”

Context: How would you respond if you...

• Watched Jesus transfigured on the mount?
• Watched Jesus cast a a demon out of an “epileptic” boy?
• Heard Jesus say he was going to be killed and raised from the dead?
• Watched a fish give Jesus His tax money?

How did the disciples respond to the sequence of events in Matthew 17?

• Matthew 18:1 “...At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?...”

•  Luke 9:46 “...An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest...”

• Selfish wondering about their position and status.

• This is far more typical than we care to admit.

Are we more concerned about ourselves than about kingdom purposes?

Matthew 18:3-5 “...and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me...”

Mark 9:35-37 “...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.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me...”

Luke 9:48 “...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...”

What does it mean to become like children?

• It doesn’t mean to be selfish, self-centered, me first brats.

• The disciples were already showing some of this.

• It does mean accepting a position without power or rank, that relies upon the love and care of others.

What does it mean to receive a child?

• It doesn’t mean to lord it over people as if you’re superior.

• It does mean to welcome and care for others.

What is the benefit of receiving a child?

• To welcome and care for others is to receive Jesus.

• To receive Jesus is to receive the Father.

Why is it challenging to be a “...servant of all...”?