Break time discussion stuff… “Who is the greatest?” Everyone has an opinion. The evidence varies. “My guy! That gal! I’m pretty great too! What do ya think?”
Why not ask Jesus? He should know!”
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child over and had him stand among them, and said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven! And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.’” (from Matthew 18:1–5 the NET Bible)
A child! That was His answer! Figure!! … Humble, not presumptuous or aggressive… compliant, obedient … submissive, not pushy … trusting and believing … loving and affectionate … I could go on… A child – the greatest! Wow!!
A Kingdom lesson I need and want to learn… At least if that’s how Jesus feels about it!
You may feel like what someone in authority is asking for, is unfair! In fact, it not only infringes on your rights as a Christian – it tramples on them!
It happened to Jesus… The collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” Peter apparently was not sure if Jesus had, but he answered to the best of his ability, “Yes.” Later Jesus approached Peter, asked about the encounter, and explained why he believed He (and his followers) should not have to pay the tax… But then he added… “However, NOT TO GIVE OFFENSE TO THEM, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” (From Matthew 17:24-27 ESV)
You may think a request (or a requirement) placed upon you as a Christian by someone in authority is unfair – it tramples on your rights. And the fact is, you don’t really have the resources to do what is being asked of you (and shouldn’t have to do it)! … Remember, your testimony as a Christian is greater than the issue of your “rights!” And also remember, God is able to supply your need (even miraculously, as he did in this instance) if your desire is to please and honor Him!
Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 is a passage that most evangelical Bible scholars acknowledge as Messianic. It describes the “Suffering Servant” who is our Lord Jesus Christ – the One who suffered and died on the cross for our sin.
It was my Bible reading this morning – a graphic, prophetic description of what Jesus went through on our behalf, so that we might be forgiven, cleansed, restored and granted eternal life through His death, burial, resurrection and ascension!
As I read it this morning and reflected on what it said, I jotted these words in the margin of my Bible: “This brings me to tears! It was for all my sin!”
Here is a powerful excerpt from the passage…
“Behold, my Servant! … He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet he opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not his mouth… He was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people. And they made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, and there was no deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see his offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities… He poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
That’s what Jesus did on my behalf, and yours … for the sin of the whole world! An old gospel song put it this way…
Coffee With The Lord 