In one of Peter’s lessons this past week, he drew our attention to Matthew 18 - a passage in which Jesus’ disciples asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  On that occasion, Jesus called a little child to himself and said, “...Except ye be converted, and

become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (vs 3).  In his lesson, Peter then went on to discuss some of the wonderful traits that can be found in children - honesty, trust, willingness to forgive, etc.

     “Who is the greatest?”  This is a question that was discussed amongst the apostles of Christ on several occasions?  See if you can find each of the accounts in which the apostles contemplated and discussed this thought.  Happy studying.

     In last week’s bulletin, I asked you to look for the various passages in which the apostles considered the question, “Who is the greatest?”  Unless I have missed an occasion, there were three separate times that this question was considered and addressed.  Those occasions are recorded for us in six different passages:  Matthew 18:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 9:33-37; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 9:46-48; Luke 22:24-30.

     This week, I hope you’ll give some additional thought to these passages.  Can you determine which ones are parallel to each other?  And, consider this if you would - the life of Jesus is often times divided into the following sections:  1. Eternal Existence; 2. Period of Preparation; 3. Early Judean Ministry; 4. Galilean Ministry; 5. Ministry of Withdrawals; 6. Later Judean Ministry; 7. Perean Ministry; 8. Last Week (including the crucifixion); 9. Final Forty Days on Earth.  Can you match the occurrences of the question, “Who is the greatest?” to the corresponding section in the life of Jesus?  (For assistance with this, you can refer to The Fourfold Gospel and/or A Harmony of the Gospels - both of which are in the church’s library.  If you can’t find them in the library, check with me and you can borrow my copy of either of these.)  This can help us in determining whether the apostles’ consideration of this question was rather isolated or more prolonged. 

     We can certainly learn some valuable lessons by looking at these passages and considering Jesus’ response to this reoccurring question.  For that reason, I have decided to address these passages in an upcoming sermon - probably in a couple of weeks, Lord willing.  So, in the meantime, please give these passages some serious consideration and, as always, Happy Studying!