Who Is The Greatest?
-Introduction
-A few weeks back, I included some information in the bulletin regarding a question that the
apostles considered, discussed and asked about on more than one occasion - “Who is the
greatest?”
-This question considered by the apostles occurs in 6 passages: Matthew 18, 20; Mark 9, 10;
Luke 9, 22
-Due to the fact that some of these are parallel passages, we find that this question is addressed
within the scriptures on three separate occasions.
-Let’s first consider these three occasions and look at some basic information regarding them.
-This lesson will establish the contexts of each of these occasions and will lay the
groundwork, not only for a point at the end of this lesson, but for the lesson tonight.
1. Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48
-This occurred during the Ministry of Withdrawals which followed the Galilean Ministry
-This particular event occurred during the end of the Ministry of Withdrawals.
-So, the disciples were discussing this question after having been with Jesus for
approximately 2 years.
-“The Lord with his disciples was now on his way back to Galilee from Ceasarea-
Philippi, where, some ten days before, he had promised the keys of the kingdom to Peter, and
where he had honored Peter and the sons of Zebedee by a mysterious withdrawal into the
mount. These facts, therefore, no doubt started the dispute as to which should hold the highest
office in the kingdom. The fires of envy thus set burning were not easily quenched”
(McGarvey, J. W. LL.D.; Pendleton, Philip Y. A.B., The Fourfold Gospel, Cincinnati, OH, The
Standard Publishing Foundation, n.d., pg 430).
-Also, during this fourth withdrawal, Jesus had given the apostles information pertaining
to His upcoming death - (for example, see Luke 9:21-22, 43b-45)
-So, as they journeyed back toward Capernaum, still having the expectations for an earthly
kingdom, the apostles contemplated these matters. It was here that they had discussed/disputed
this question. Jesus it addressed with them upon their return to Capernaum.
-“The disciples had been greatly troubled at the announcement of the sufferings of Jesus, but
their grief soon passed and their thoughts began to turn to the kingdom which he was to set
up...The disciples were occupied with unworthy ambitions and longings for imaginary
honors. Jesus asked them about their dispute, and they, ashamed of it, held their peace.
(Mark 9:33) They were like children or heirs quarreling over an estate before the death of a
benefactor” (Boles, H. Leo, A Commentary on the Gospel by Matthew, Nasville, TN,
Gospel Advocate Company, 1936, pg 365-367).
2. Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45
-This takes place rather late in the Perean Ministry - approximately six months after the previous
occasion.
-Mark 10 - James and John approach Jesus. Matthew 20 - The mother of James and John
approach Jesus. Therefore, these apostles made their request through their mother.
-It wasn’t the case of “Oh, mom. Why did you ask Him that?” Instead, she was asking these
things just as they wanted.
-“They desired the two highest places of honor, next to him, in his kingdom. It was an
improper request made at an inappropriate time...Their request was not to sit in the trial and
by the cross, but in his glory - with him as king” (Dorris, C.E.W., A Commentary on the
Gospel by Mark, Nashville, TN, Gospel Advocate Company, 1950, pgs 244-245).
-The other apostles, upon hearing this, were angered.
-Who would be the greatest was once again at the center of their thoughts.
3. Luke 22:24-30
-Here, we find this question reoccurring the evening of Jesus’ betrayal.
-Notice, just prior to this in Luke’s account, we find the instituting of the Lord’s Supper.
However, we need to remember that the information in the accounts of the Gospel is not
always presented in a chronological order. By considering the four accounts together, we
can see that this strife arose prior to the instituting of the Lord’s Supper.
-Yet, the evening before the crucifixion, the apostles were focused upon who would be the
greatest.
-A Quick Look At Jesus’ Responses
1. Matthew 18:1-6, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48
-This is the time that Jesus called a child to Himself, placed him in the midst of those present and
taught a valuable lesson.
-Matt 18:4, Mark 9:35 - Humility and Service
2. Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45
-Matt 20:22 - Jesus speaks of drinking from His cup and being baptized with His baptism. These
are references to His coming suffering.
-Matt 20:25-28 - The Gentile leaders lorded their authority over others. They utilized positions
of authority to have others serve them. Jesus says that His followers are not to seek after being
served but serving others.
-Matthew 20:28 - Ultimate example of Service
3. Luke 22:24-30
-Here, we find a similar response to that of the previous occasion (Gentiles and authority).
-Luke 22:26-27 - “...but I am among you as he that serveth” (vs 27).
-Once again, Jesus places the emphasis on service.
-Summary and Invitation
-As a whole, humility and service are not highly promoted in our society. As a matter of
fact, society will often times look down upon these admirable qualities.
-Remember, we need to be careful not to be conformed to this world (Rom 12:1-2).
-Yet, we sometimes struggle with these things, do we not? We sometimes find ourselves
putting more focus on self than others - thinking more of how we “should” be served
rather than focusing on how we can and should serve others.
-We can gain comfort in knowing that the apostles struggled with that same thing
even while in the presence of Jesus.
-By reviewing these occasions, we can then learn an important lesson and renew our focus.
-So with the new year quickly approaching, I would like you to give the following some
consideration: In 2007, how can I serve the brethren?
-Rom 12:10, Gal 5:13-14
-At this moment, I want you to also consider this important question: Are you serving God?
-If you haven’t obeyed the Gospel, please do so: Believe (Jn 3:16, 8:24), Confess your faith
(Rm 10:9-10), Repent of Sin (Lk 13:3,5, Acts 17:30), Be Baptized (Acts 2:38, Mk 16:16).
-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel, but haven’t been faithful, please be restored by confessing
your shortcomings, repent of them and pray for God’s forgiveness (1 Jn 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).