Who is number one? Who is the Greatest?
She went off to the kitchen and Dave and I reflected on the series of passages leading up to the "who is the greatest" discussion of the disciples.
Here's the run down.
The transfiguration - Luke 9 Total fear - Total blabbering by Peter. Somehow the flesh gave them some pride about having that experience.
Healing the demon possessed boy - when they came down from the mountain the other disciples were having trouble dealing with a demon. When Jesus came down from teaching on the mountain he healed the centurion's son from a distance and a leper. The three say nothing and do nothing. They don't help. I mean, wouldn't they have a powerful understanding to express in faith over the dominion of darkness they see before them and a deep compassion for their brothers struggling to do this thing? NOPE.
Jesus warns the disciples about his impending betrayal. - But they don't get it at all.
Then.....
"An argument started among the disciples as to which one of them would be the greatest."
Seriously.
Seriously great at what?
Spiritual encounters - making them greater than their brothers? The Transfiguration - truth be told, took those three way past their comfort zone and they couldn't translate the reality of that encounter into helping their brothers with a demon possessed kid.
Spiritual wisdom and Understanding. - Huh. The disciples had no clue what Jesus was talking about when he called them to himself and said, "Listen carefully." This was not the first time he shred this information with them.
Spiritual boldness and prophetic stewardship - "...and they were afraid to ask him about it." They were afraid to expose their ignorance and lack of spirit understanding. Possibly they sensed the contradiction of their posture and understanding against that of Jesus and his way of moving in and through all the above. He moved freely and in full measure while he walked his way toward the total rejection of Israel and crucifixion.
Do you see it? The story lays out the absurdity of even asking such a question.
It is hilarious. Totally hysterically funny. If you can't see it you probably are stuck still asking the question of the disciples.
Jesus was clear with them.
You don't get great in my kingdom by all the above. You get great by all the above leading you to love your brothers, the broken, the demon possessed, and little children in spite of your personal status and outcomes. You get great by laying down your life and serving. You get great by losing your life in the will of the Father. Then you will find it in Christ.
I'm sure you've never entertained the "who is the greatest" question. If you haven't you are truly free. It seems to stay around and get new life all the time. In American Christian circles it seems we actually buy into the notion that...
Spiritual encounters by themselves make us great?
Our comprehension and understanding of Jesus and the Way makes us great?
Our knowledge of the Way and what others "need to do" make us greater than them?
Our miracle resume makes us great?
It's always something making us greater than our brothers and sisters.
Rarely is it love so clearly demonstrated
or service to selflessly rendered
It all comes down to where you get your greatness.
Do you get it on your own?
Something you make up, do, achieve?
Or do you get your greatness from God's approval by welcoming and receiving his Kingdom, his Son, walking in faithfulness and the grace assignments he hands out to us?
Doing a bad job is one thing.
Wagging a battle with and through Christ for the sake of the World is another.
1 John 3:16New International Version (NIV)
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.Many things change with a simple shift in our focus. From who is the greatest to who can I love and serve?
Feedback? Ideas?
I would love to dialogue with you.
Share your comments.
2016
Transfiguration!
Look forward, eyes filled with Abundance, Boundless, Victorious vision in Jesus.
Get a copy of my Prophetic Review 2016 - Salvation's Mountain Erupting with Open Doors, Shifts and Invitation. Encouragement, focus, wisdom and insight into the prophetic seasons of the new year.www.jeffreynoldsministries.com
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Jeff Reynolds ---
Brother Jeff
Most likely
What is number one?
First Love over doctrine, right
The Kingdom and righteousness over everything
Prayer - the power of heaven in the weakness of men.
The will of the Father
.
Well done good and faithful servant.
