Who is The Greatest Among You. Part [10] 08/24/2025 (Evening thought)

Matthew 20: 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.

[The Desire of Ages pp 435>436] When Christ and the disciples were alone in the house, while Peter was gone to the sea, Jesus called the others to Him, and asked, “What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?” Shame and self-condemnation kept them silent. Jesus had told them that He was to die for their sake, and their selfish ambition was in painful contrast to His unselfish love.

Although He had spoken so plainly of what awaited Him, His mention of the fact that He was soon to go to Jerusalem, again kindled their hopes that the kingdom was about to be set up. This had led to questioning as to who should fill the highest offices. On Peter's return from the sea, the disciples told him of the Savior's question, and at last one ventured to ask Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The Savior gathered His disciples about Him, and said to them, “If any man desires to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”

There was in these words a solemnity and impressiveness which the disciples were far from comprehending. Thus, according to Jesus, true greatness manifests itself in service, not in seeking to make other people subservient to oneself. It was the tendency to seek the highest place that prevented the disciples from washing one another’s feet. And if the Christian in our day is not very careful, we can find ourselves cultivating that same tendency of loving to be served by others instead of being eager to play the role of servant.

Matthew 20:28 Even as The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

Who is The Greatest Among You. Part [9] 08/23/2025 (Morning thought)

Matthew 26:47 And while he yet spoke, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

[The Desire Of Ages pp 717] John, who was treasuring up the truths that fell from Christ's lips, was looked upon by Judas as a poor financier. Thus, Judas summed up all the disciples, and flattered himself that the church would often be brought into perplexity and embarrassment if it were not for his ability as a manager….. Thus, hurt feelings, wounded pride, and great anger at the two disciples pervaded the atmosphere, in so much that Jesus had to address the volatile situation before it spun out of control.

And He did so with the gentleness and wisdom that is born of God. He didn’t point fingers, call them names, nor did He rebuke them in any visceral language, for this would only pour salt into an open wound, and would then produce the opposite effect Jesus desired. When a situation arises, where brethren, or family members become incensed as they vie for the best, the highest or the greatest remember that you must never fight fire with fire for you will only get more fire.

Instead, we are counseled in the example of Christ, and in the approach which He then took, to take the royal road which is found in the Bible, by seeking to diffuse, not infuse more animosity into the mix, by seeking reconciliation, not annihilation. Too many persons are seeking for annihilation nowadays.

Matthew 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!