What truly makes one great or greater than another?

Exposed to greatness.  Luke 9:37-43

• The disciples were commissioned to cast out demons, to heal, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:1-2
• The disciples unsuccessfully tried to cast out a demon. 17:14-23; Mark 9:14-32
• The father undeterred by the failure of the disciples goes to Jesus. (38-40)
• Jesus claims that their generation struggles with unbelief and perverse life. (41)
  • This is a hint as to why the disciples were unsuccessful.
  • In the Matthew account, they ask Jesus why they were unsuccessful, and he said they had such little faith.
  • In the Mark account, he responds that to exorcise this demon it requires prayer.

• Jesus by rebuke only heals the boy. (42)
  • This exposes the authority of Jesus.
  • It also exposes the source of his power—God.

• This moment brought “amazement”about God’s greatness! (43a)

Reacting to greatness.  Luke 9:43b-46

• They marveled. (43b)
  • Marveling at something can lead to respect or envy.
  • Marveling in the moment can also distract you from other important aspects of the moment. 

• They misunderstood an important revelation that Jesus just spoke concerning his death. (44-45a)
• Insecurity can set in which can keep you from asking an important question. (45b)
• Insecurity can lead you to propping yourself up at the expense of another. “I am greater than you are.” (46)

True greatness revealed.  Luke 9:47-48

• The“least among you”is the greatest. (48b)
  • “A person of no status” would be the best way to describe the “least” or “child” among you. BEC
  • A quality of exalting the standing of others is valued by God.
  • A person of no standing would not presume such an argument in the presence of greatness.
  • A child who is taught well would not clamor for the honorable seat that is for an adult/elder.
  • Ultimately, humble awareness leads to a humble heart—God esteems that!

• Being a servant of others is being great in the eyes of God. Mark 9:35“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 

Journey to greatness.

• Failure is a great teacher.
  • Matthew 18the disciples are charged to be like a child or welcome a child (Luke 9), but in Matthew 19:13-15they kept the children from Jesus.
  • They still saw things from worldly lenses. 

Matthew 19:13-15“¹³ Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.¹⁴ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.”

• Fear of failure leads to prideful practice.

Luke 22:20-24“²⁰ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.^[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. ²² The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” ²³ They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.²⁴ A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.”

Pursuit of Jesus—Greatness.

1. Be amazed by Jesus! He is the greatness of God on display.
2. Value humility as the key attitude of your standing among others.
3. Serve with passion. Give yourself to the advancement of others over yourself by serving them from whatever position you are in.

Benediction:  Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”