There are many challenging verses in the Bible about humility
Phil 2:3
We all make comparisons and sometimes we think we are better than others
If only we would see our own sin - see ourselves as we really are
Then we would not be tempted to compare ourselves to others
For political leaders greatness is important, to be seen to be important is essential
Example of Scottish Elections
To show that your way is the right way
Jesus did not cry out in the street, He did not put Himself on a pedestal
He was quiet and meek
He withdrew many times
He didn't want to be popular or famous
He wanted people to understand who He was and the cost to follow Him
It was not the time for Jesus to show Himself
Some were mis-understanding the purpose of His mission
He took time to teach His disciples
The understanding was kept from them by the Father as it would have been too much for them at this time (Luke)
There was a distance between Jesus and the disciples, He was walking alone
He was aware that the disciples had been disputing and bickering
He knew their hearts
He wanted them to confess
The disciples were bickering about who should be greatest amongst them
Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about true greatness
Jesus links greatness with humility
The world measures greatness in terms of name, ability, title, accolades
Jesus measures greatness in terms of quiet service, humble obedience, Christian love for all, pleasing God, being last
Jesus Correcting a Wrong View of Greatness (v35-37)
The question of greatness seems to come up often
The religious leaders in Biblical times did the best to show they were the top people
They were lifting themselves higher than others
They loved greeting in the market place
They wore long robes
They prayed on the street corners
This climate rubbed off on the disciples
They were not educated men, yet they were asking who was the greatness
They were in a culture that did that
We may not be in a culture that does that today
Within each one of us is a pharisee
Sometimes we compare ourselves to another person
We may not verbally have a discussion but inwardly those thoughts arise
Jesus says "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all" (v35)
Why did Jesus give these words?
What were they bickering about?
Had the fact that Jesus had take aside Peter, James and John aside privately for a second time caused a jealous spirit?
They were initially there when Jarius' daughter was raised from the dead
They were again there with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration
Jealousy
They may have asked why Peter?
He is always blundering, putting the wrong foot forward?
Why that person and not me?
We can experience this ourselves
Instead of being thankful, we are jealous
Jealousy is a real problem
Pride
They had a failure where they could not cast out the demon from the young boy
Maybe only certain disciples had tried
Maybe the others were disputing over whether they would have been better
There must have been pride in their heart as they were talking about who was greatest?
James mother requests that each of her sons sit at Jesus right hand
They reply that they are ready
They think that they are greater than others, that they wouldn't fail, that they would earn a right to be in the presence of God
Pride is a subtle sin and you may not be aware of it
Not an clear sin like stealing or lustful thoughts
It is good to listen to yourself and your attitudes
It often shows itself to others, but may be difficult for you to see
Quote from John McArthur
Prideful people put others down, belittle others, want to look as if they are in a good position
"If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all"(v35)
If you (carnal) desire to be first - then you will be at the bottom of the pile, you will be last
If you desire to be first (in the sense of honouring God) - then you need to be the last of all, the servant of all
Matt 23:11-12 - " But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
If you are prepared to humble yourself, God will lift you up
Quote from Polycar - deacons (and all Christians) should be a servant of all
Matt 20:25-28 - "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”"
It was not robbery for Jesus to be equal to God but He came to serve
When he took the towel to wash the disciples feet it was a summation of His ministry
Serving to the point that He would give His life upon the cross
He was humbled so much, would be highly exalted
He is now sitting at the right hand of the Father
'God exalts the humble but puts down the proud'
The Gentiles said greatness was 'lording it over others'
Christ says is to do with putting others first and being humble
We don't always remembers words but a visual aid can help a lot (v36)
Jesus takes a child too illustrate His point
In Aramaic child is the same as servant
Today we live in a child centered society but in those days children were the lowest of the low
We must value and receive the child
The spirit of the Christian receives all people and does so for Christ's sake
God is in that situation if we receive others
James 2 - people had difficulty in accepting others, giving deference to the rich in society
People were treating the poor with disdain and the rich with favouritism
Scripture teaches that we must receive all
Jesus Correcting a Sectarian Spirit (v38-41)
It seems as if John the apostle is convicted by what Jesus teaches about accepting others
John confesses this failing before Jesus
This man was not part of their group
Jesus commands not to forbid him
He may not be part of the group but He is doing it in Jesus' name
The world often views people as having 'joined the group' or 'not joined the group'
Jesus teaches another spirit
As people have embraced Jesus, so we must embrace them
Phil 1 - people were seeking to cause trouble for Paul, but as long as they preached in the name of Christ he was happy
We must not have fellowship with darkness or false doctrine
We are not looking at this today
We are looking at those who are united in the gospel
They may have different ways, forms and approaches - but we must receive all
Num 11 - 70 prophecy and then 2 extra: compare Joshua's statement to Moses' response
"For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." (v41)
If you do a little thing for God, He will bless you
We are all on the same side
Summary
Christ Jesus was utterly humble
He came into this world, forgoing the splendor of heaven
He gave up so much
Through his death on the cross we discover forgiveness, richness, that we are clothed in His righteousness
