Today the Kingdom presses up against something culturally that has effects on how we live our lives personally. The way that we strive to live our lives and is at the very heart of what motivates us.
What does it look like to be great in the Kingdom of God?
V46 An
Everything in their culture leads them to have this view. Ceasar, Rome and Roman rulers, Even their Jewish culture
“At all points, in worship, in the administration of justice, at meals, in all dealings, there constantly arose the question of who was the greater, and estimating the honor due to each was a task which had to be constantly fulfilled and which was felt to be very important”. Theological Dictionary of the NT
Same for us in our current culture. The value of power, prestige, money, influence and the view of greatness and success that comes from these things. To be great is about achieving and achieving personally
Kobe Video- He achieved it all and realized it was still lacking. He made the powerful connection that Greatness was something more. He began to realize that greatness wasn’t simply about himself, and he became driven by how he could make those around him better- He was getting closer to the Kingdom way
V48 The Little
Culture- children were of little importance, were not threatening, they were unconcerned for social status, not jaded by success and ambition. Jesus was saying that when we most fulfill the humble place a child had in that culture, we are then on our way to greatness.
Nietzsche and his Will to Power. Derided and despised Christians for this reason
“For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” The principal being established by Jesus was that in the KOG there is a reversal of values involved
Not talking about a wimpy humility or meekness. Power and position were not to be neglected. He didn’t mean that we are all to be quiet and unassuming. It is more about an attitude and what we value.
Greatness for them was to make sure, in their power and authority and position, that they pointed to Jesus and his kingdom rather than themselves.
True Greatness isn’t just about not trying to make our name famous; it’s about adding
Jesus invested in his disciples, trained them, sent them out. Then the 72. Then had them train others who would in turn train others.
2 Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Greatness is found, not in making a hero out of yourself, but out of others. The kingdom benefits when we multiply what God has given to us into others.
What has God given you? What has he done in your life? Give it away!
How do we do this? If I don’t look out for #1, who will?
We can’t without Jesus. When we put him first, he looks out for us. When we give ourselves to him, we know we are safe and secure. When we say, not my Kingdom, but yours, we have his blessing.
We have one who fights for us, so we don’t have to. We have one who gives us value and purpose and meaning. We have the ultimate one who gives of himself for our betterment. Jesus!