Kingdom Greatness
Notes
Transcript
Open your bible with me to Luke 9:46-50
You know, it’s funny the things you remember from childhood. It’s interesting what sticks with you. It doesn’t take long, even when we’re young, for us to start aspiring toward something. We have goals. Ambition. Dreams.
I remember how proud I was when I made the 7th‑grade basketball team. Up until that point, everybody made the cut—but in 7th grade, you had tryouts. You had to earn your spot, and I made it. You don’t forget moments like that. But you also don’t forget the moments when your expectations fall short—when you don’t get what you were so sure you deserved.
For me, the earliest memory of that was Flag Patrol. Man, those were my heroes…. I remember pulling up to Frances Nungester School and seeing the Flag Patrol standing out front. Just look at 'em—reflective vests, a flag, and a badge! They were somebody. But more than that, they were chosen. You couldn’t sign up. Your parents couldn’t request it. It was sheer grace—Coach Meadows had to pick you. And you had to be in 5th grade.
So there I was, finally coming of age for the great honor of Flag Patrol. And by sheer grace, I was selected. And let me tell you—I thought I was somebody. I had the vest. I had the helmet. I had the flag. But the badge… well, that came later.
After a week or two of patrolling the rowdy drivers of Southwest Decatur, it was time for officer assignments. And now, I know you won’t believe this—but I knew exactly what a fine young fellow like myself deserved. Why shouldn’t I be the captain? I looked around and saw myself head and shoulders above the rest. Plus, my family knew Coach Meadows! This was a shoo-in.
So the big day came. The badges were brought out. The pomp and pageantry were rolling. And then—the moment. The Captain badge was announced and awarded to… Patrick Howell.
Patrick Howell! My best friend. My next‑door neighbor. And I remember thinking, Patrick Howell?!
And to add insult to injury, I was given the title of Vice‑Captain. Vice‑Captain! Man, I was devastated. I knew what I deserved. And while Patrick was my best friend, I was convinced Coach Meadows had made a terrible mistake.
You know, when we think about it, life is often like that, isn’t it? We have ambitions towards the grand plans and expectations! We have a mindset of entitlement and pride that says we deserve and are owed everything that comes to us.
Such is our world that sees greatness in this way. That says, build a resume. Look to accolades and success as means of proving GREATNESS! …..
But what we learn here in this text is that it is NOT the way Jesus measures greatness. NOT through success, but through service….through sacrifice. NOT through our achievements, but through serving others. NOT through superiority, but surrender. NOT through pride, but humility.
Sermon Summary: True greatness in Christ’s kingdom comes through humility
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” 49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
This is God’s word. Let’s pray
Really, what you see in this passage is the theme of pride. And the admonishment of Jesus to fight against pride. So the question is, how do we do that? How do we learn from this word and the example of Christ, and see that true greatness in Christ’s kingdom comes through humility? (3 Points)
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I. Fight the Urge to Seek Status (v.46)
I. Fight the Urge to Seek Status (v.46)
Luke wraps up this chapter by giving us quick accounts of Jesus and His disciples. This, of course, comes on the heels of the transfiguration and the disciples' inability to cast out a demon, and further in the context of a coming passion prediction. So the shift here is striking.
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.
Now that is interesting – Because this is on the heels of their lack of greatness. Everything surrounding this passage is to demonstrate their weakness! They couldn’t cast out the demon. They couldn’t understand Jesus' words of His coming death!! But they are arguing. They are using reason and logic. Logic that Jesus understands but will set straight, but they are arguing among themselves. HOW WHO IS THE GREATEST!?
Now we don’t know how the argument started. We don’t know who started, so to speak. But they likely feel like they are finally arriving! The KINGDOM is soon going to come through Jesus. We are a part of it. Soon, we will be the ones extending this message. We’ve already been given that authority to proclaim the good news and heal the sick. So, it could be that Peter, James, and John began the discussion – well, we went up the mountain with Jesus….and the others think, well, what makes them so special to be in Jesus' inner circle? Why did they get to go up? Well, Peter might say, it’s clear that I’m the favorite. That’s why I’m the one always feeling the need to speak up for the rest of you….Another disciple chimes in – the reason you went up the mountain is because Jesus knew he couldn’t leave your side without you doing something foolish….Enter John with his case – CLEARLY, I’m the BELOVED disciple! I’m the greatest!
They are doing what’s in the human heart. They are living according to the world’s standards and accolades. Pulling out the resume. Listing the achievements. The credentials. This is what pride does. Worse, they began looking across the aisle and insisting on a comparative religion. They begin to compare, which turns into competition and a chase for recognition.
And it is foolish – because here are men who can’t stay awake for a prayer meeting. Here are Galilean fishermen. Here are men who, outside of a small group of friends and community, NOT many would even know their names. Men, who the book of Acts will describe as common, uneducated. They weren’t that impressive….and really, neither are we. But they are insistent, MAN, I’M SOMEBODY!!
It’s foolish because it’s in the context of Jesus modeling another way for us!! You know, everything within the human heart wants to perform. Wants to lay a case for greatness in themselves. But greatness isn’t found in success. It’s found in service to others. And so the disciple are building their case, but they forgot the reality of Jesus – is about to suffer and die at the hands of men…..And while they are seeking to elevate themselves, they forgot that it’s Jesus who is about to lay down His own life!!
And beloved, what we need to remember is who we truly are. And it’s NOT great! What we were apart from Christis NOT worthy. What we were apart from Christ is NOT deserving. And if you think there is an area of knowledge or letters after your name, or a position or title that we can earn that somehow elevates us beyond the status we’ve been given in Christ, as a saint, and child of God! We are greatly mistaken. And the moment we forget that, is the moment we will turn inward and begin arguing amongst ourselves! And in the process, forget what Christ has accomplished for us. And forget the way of life in Christ – is NOT through self-promotion, but denying self, and taking up our cross to follow Jesus.
There are a number of cross referencesI could point you to – but, turn to Philippians 3 and seethe model of the Apostle Paul. If anyone had a résumé worth boasting in, it was Paul. But instead of arguing for his greatness, he throws the whole résumé in the trashfor the sake of Christ.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
And my point this morning is that we must live this way. The way of Christ and His kingdom, NOT seeking to build our own. And the learn from the foolish mistake of these disciples here – To forget the words and model of Jesus in the gospel of grace we have received. Because this is what is natural in the human heart, and we must fight against it. We must resist the temptation to compare. Resist the temptation to compete or perform…but if we are to outdo one another, may it be to love and good works (Romans 12:10)
Beloved, what do you feel like is owed to you? What do you feel like you deserve? What do you feel like you could do better than them? The need to argue for, and fight for your way, your place, your status. Your spot!
When pride enters, conversations turn from mission to position.When we lose sight of Christ’s sacrifice, we become obsessed with our status. The cross doesn’t just show us the way—it empowers the way. Only those who know they are fully accepted in Christ can finally stop competing with others.
--------------------------------------------------- Fight The Urge to Seek Status
II. Receive the Lowly as Christ Does (v.47-48)
II. Receive the Lowly as Christ Does (v.47-48)
You know, really, the disciples’ argument is NOT a mark of greatness. It’s NOT a mark of maturity, but their immaturity. They are acting like children.
47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Now, Matthew tells us that this event took place in Capernaum. Mark tells us that it took place in a home. And it’s possible that it was in Peter’s home, and maybe even one of Peter’s children, that Jesus draws near to illustrate his point. So, what is Jesus’ point here?
Jesus uses what we might call a “Step Parallelism,” where the parallel is given and then raised to a higher degree. And further, Jesus gives the reason for this statement. So, I think Jesus is getting at a couple of things here, in saying this. So, let’s look at what he says.
48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Jesus is clearly teaching them about true greatness. And in taking a child. He intends to illustrate a point. Children in these days could often be seen as a nuisance. They had no value, no status within society. You see the disciples wanting to dismiss the children from coming to Him, but Jesus was always welcoming of them. And Jesus isn’t saying you need to have childlike faith here. HE isn’t saying you need to become like Children. He’s saying the status we so often want and desire isn’t what matters. What matters is receiving those who can add nothing to your resume. Who don’t acquire more for you! But instead, receiving those who can bring no benefit to yourself. That we would receive the lowly, the despised, and reject. The marginalized and the outcast.
We are always looking for a network of people. People who can increase our status or value. We become great by association. But Jesus says, greatest isn’t defined in that way. In what benefits you, but in benefiting others. You see, whoever receivesa child in my name, receives me….in that a child is intended to represent the receiving of Jesus. And in receiving Jesus, you are receiving the Father who sent him. In which Jesus was speaking of His DIETY and Union in the God-head.
Jesus intends to show us that receiving benefit from others, to increase status, is NOT what matters. What matters is NOT your status in this world at all. What truly matters is the status of our relationship with Him. To say it another way – what matters is that we receiveHim, that we are found in Christ….and in receiving Christ, we are willing to receive even the lowly, the rejected, and despised.
Jesus has already shown us this in Luke. Remember back in Luke 6. When Jesus said these words
Luke 6:32-36
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Then again, in Luke 14:12-14
12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
That is our position, status isn’t measured in piling on your success…It’s through loving and receiving those who have nothing to add to you. But instead to serve those who cannot repay you, benefit you! Because what matters is who you are in Christ, NOT what others can give you. You instead, give unto others!
This is why Mark picks up this theme of service – Mark 9:35 “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
For disciples who were looking for greatness! And for sinful hearts, looking to justify position, and to which among them was THE GREATEST….Jesus says I’ll tell you what greatness looks like. It looks like service. It looks like receiving the least of these. It looks like abandoning position and status and drawing near to the lowly and the despised. It looks like receiving those who, by all worldly standards, are worthless and insignificant! Greatness looks like being united to JESUS. BECAUSE – THE REASON– v. 48 “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
It's the upside-down nature of the kingdom. So here are the disciples thinking, man, we are about to be somebody! It’s about to be our time! We’re rocking and rolling with the MESSIAH, and I wonder which one of us is going to sit next to you in the kingdom….Ooh man, you see the irony. Jesus is saying, it’s NOT about building you up…. because the way to greatness in the kingdom isn’t through performance or pride….but through mercy and grace!
And isn’t that what Jesus has displayedto us in His gospel? Because standing before them is the very one who will seek NOT His own interest but the interest of another. See, standing before them is the CHRIST! Is the Messiah. Who would empty Himself, take on the form of a servant, and lay down His life to say undeserving, despised, and rejected sinners! And the way of His exaltation was through service, and through sacrifice! It was through suffering. Because true greatness is marked in what Jesus has done and how he’s lived toward us and before us!!
Because standing in front of them—and standing before us in this text—is the One who did NOT come to be served but to serve. The One who sought NOT His own interest but ours. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived the life we have failed to live—perfect, righteous, obedient in every way. And then He went to the cross and died the death our sins deserved. He took our place. He bore our punishment. He rose from the grave to give forgiveness and eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him.
Friend, salvation is NOT earned by greatness—it is received by grace. And anyone, no matter how sinful or broken, can come to Him today and be saved.
That’s foreign to us, isn’t it? And its so easy for us to forget the gospel, isn’t it! We always want to defend our status and position. Prove ourselves. You think about what the world loves. WHO IS THE GOAT??? MICHAEL JORDANor KOBE BRYANT. LEBRON JAMES. NICK SABAN or Bill Bellicheck? TOM BRADY or Joe Montana? What is greatness? What is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME?
Which one of them is the greatest? The GREATEST of ALL TIME….You see the temptation? Jesus says, It’s the least among you who is great! It’s one who has received me!! It’s one who finds their identity and status in me! Living like me, serving like me. Receiving the lowly and despised, who could do nothing to elevate you….it’s the one who delights in the gospel that Jesus has invited us into, and claims us, identifies us by grace, through faith!!
That’s what GREATNESS LOOKS like – living in that way! Greatness in the kingdom looks like faithful service to others. Often unseen by others, and unconcerned by the world’s standards. In a place, where everyone is jockeying for position. Greatness looks like humility in the gospel. That the gospel brings to us – we’ve talked about it before– A GOSPEL HUMILITY…that says I’m owed nothing. I deserve nothing….and I’ve been giving everything in Jesus and delight in Him!
Greatness – is willing to lay down your life for the sake of others. It’s the counter way of gaining by losing! Finding life, by giving your life away for the sake of CHRIST!
Can I give you practical things, beloved? Speak to your heart….
Mom’s -- greatness isn’t defined by what you achieve. In a job, or even in your sense of worth in your home, or to your children. Or how clean and put together your house is…. Greatness is the selfless sacrifice you constantly give for others. Greatness is serving. To your children. For your husband. For the benefit of others!
Dad’s -- greatest isn’t found in climbing the corporate ladder. Earning another notch, acquiring enough. Greatness is serving! It’s the giving of yourself and loving your wife as Christ loved the church. It’s through investing in the good of your children.
Those walking through hard seasons and difficulties. Greatness is found by remaining faithful in hardship. When it would be easier to jump ship, run away, find something easier to do with your life….but to instead remain and serve. And walk through the thick of hardship with another!!
Christians – greatness isn’t building a great church for our name’s sake! It’s NOT found in the beauty of our facilities. But through the willful pursuit of making disciples, preaching the gospel when it’s hard. Standing firm on truth!
Jesus is aiming that we would resist the temptation to define greatness by our successes. And instead define it by our surrender and our service to others as we live in Christ!!
------------------------------------ Receive The Lowly As Christ Does
III. Celebrate Others’ Service in Christ’s Name (v.49-50)
III. Celebrate Others’ Service in Christ’s Name (v.49-50)
Well, I imagine the disciples felt pretty uncomfortable. I think they got the point. And I sense that John is hoping to maybe change the subject a bit. But Jesus keeps them on track.
49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
John says, well enough about us….Master, what about this guywe saw casting out demons in your name?
You know, we don’t know anything about this guy. Other than what we see in this text. But we can deduce a few things. We can recognize that he was no phony exorcist, the Sons of Sceva in Acts 19. And, it's pretty clear. He was being successful in his work. Namely, he wasn’t trying to cast out demons in Jesus' name. He was, in fact, casting out demons in Jesus' name….which, in lines, the problem John sees. Jesus, you gave that commission and authority to us. The 12….So who’s this guy? We saw him and tried to stop him….Because he does NOT follow with us. Now, that’s interesting, isn’t it? US, like the 12 and Jesus?….Or us, like just the 12? And that seems to be their issue. He’s not with us!!
The disciples subtly equate their group with Jesus’ exclusive blessing. That’s the core danger: assuming our tribe = God’s team.
But this man is with Jesus. His ministry is consistent with the authority and power of Jesus. He just wasn’t living it out in the way the disciples saw fit!!
And Jesus responds to them – commands them – Do NOT stop HIM…..He’s NOT against you. He’s for you. He’s NOT against me. He’s in line with my mission and authority.
Now, in Luke 11:23 – Jesus will say the opposite sentiment. Speaking of the Spirit of Beelzebub. Luke 11:23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. In that instance, he was speaking of those attempting to actively work against Jesus and His mission. Yet, this man, whoever He is, whatever he is doing…He is attempting to come alongside Jesus and His work….And Jesus doesn’t rebuke Him. Jesus doesn’t reject His work! In fact, Jesus affirms it. Men, don’t stop him! He’s NOT against you!!
In Luke 11, the issue is hostility to Christ….In Luke 9, the issue is humility among His followers.
This story also reminds the careful bible reader of Numbers 11
When Joshua, rushed to Moses to warn him that some elders named
ELDAD and MEDAD were preaching and prophesying like MOSES,
TAKING MOSES’ PROMINENCE – STOP THEM!
And Moses responds - Numbers 11:29-30
29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” 30 And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.
And here is Jesus – the TRUE PROPHET that MOSES – LONGED TO SEE!
And in WHOM, HIS SPIRIT WILL BE POUR out on ALL BELIEVERS!
Saying the same thing –
THIS GUY isn’t against me…He isn’t against you! REJOICE!!
You know, I think this, too, might have surprised the disciples. Because again, they are exhibiting another form of pride. Now, they’ve been knocked down to thinking there is a greatest among them. But they are still assuming that the only greatness is from them! And Jesus sobers them up, doesn’t he? He lets them in on a little lesson that the ministry of Jesus is NOT exclusive to the 12. And the ministry of Jesus isn’t built on them, but upon Christ's work.
See, if we aren’t careful – pride has a way of revealing itself in the form of exclusivity! We become the arbiters of TRUE FAITH. We become the measure of faithfulness and fidelity of Christ. And all is well, so long as people follow Jesus like you do. All is well, so long as they teach and preach and minister like you do. All is well, so long as they stay in the lane you want them in. But the moment they are outside the bounds of your will, well, I’m NOT sure about them anymore!! See, pride promotes exclusivity, but humility yields to unity.
I think it’s so easy for churches and Christians to take the wrong posture here. To think, well, look at them. They aren’t really in love with Jesus like I am. They must NOT be a true believer. Well, their prayer life isn’t like mine. They don’t read scripture like me… Or that church over there isn’t faithful like us. Or would you look at that church doing that ministry….Well, that won’t work, because it’s NOT us. Or to think the only faithful church and ministry is that which comes from US! Beloved, I thank the Lord we aren’t the only faithful church in town…Nor do we needto pretend like we are.
Now, I want to be clear, this isn’t a flattening of anything goes, and just kumbaya around if it feels good, do it, and if it sounds encouraging, what's the problem? This isn’t a dismissal of a concern for false teaching or false churches. Those need to be avoided, marked, and called out!! This isn’t an attempt to call anything a ministry. But it is a recognition that the Lord is at work on a grand scale beyond us!!
He's doing work outside of this pulpit. And outside of this church. And we don’t have the corner of orthodoxy. Or Truth. Or Jesus’ work. And I believe we have great gospel teaching. And you may hear better preaching, but I don’t think you’ll find a better gospel than the one we preach here….But help us know, we aren’t the only ones!!
Just this week, I had lunch with two local pastors. One in Huntsville, another in Decatur. Both faithful pastors. Both are seeking to lead their churches faithfully. And all of us are on the same team! We aren’t in competition! The Lord is using all of us to accomplish His work!! And I’m thankful it’s NOT just my work!! Or GRACELIFE’s WORK….But the Lord’s work!! I’m NOT going to mention names, becauseI’ll leave someone out.
But it’s NOT about names, is it….And that’s sort of the point. It’s NOT about us! It’s NOT about OUR CHURCH…or their church!! It’s about CHRIST…It’s about HIS CHURCH!. His KINGDOM! His MISSION! His GLORY!!
The Apostle Paul said these words in Philippians 1:15-18
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
That we might have that posture as well. NOT to live in competition with one another. Amongst one another, or from without one another!! And competing against other genuine Christians. Other faithful, gospel preaching churches!
“Pride says, ‘If it’s NOT from us, it’s NOT of God.’….Jesus says, ‘If it’s aligned with Me, rejoice.’”
And so, church, as we come to the end of this passage, we’re reminded that the pull of pride doesn’t end in childhood. We may no longer be waiting for a badge from Coach Meadows, but our hearts still know that familiar tug—the desire to be noticed, to be preferred, to be first. We still want the captain’s title, and we still feel that sting when someone else gets what we thought we deserved. Pride didn’t stay on the playground. It grew up with us.
But Jesus meets us in that very place. He doesn’t shame us for our pride—He transforms us by His humility. He shows us that greatness in His kingdom looks nothing like the greatness we chase. Instead of seeking status, He calls us to serve. Instead of stepping over the lowly, He invites us to receive them. Instead of guarding our own little circle, He teaches us to celebrate His work wherever He chooses to display it.
And in all of this, He is forming in us a heart like His—one that gladly goes low so that Christ might be lifted high.
Because true greatness in Christ’s kingdom comes NOT through pride, but through gospel humility. Because that’s true GREATNESS!! In CHRIST AND IN HIS GOSPEL!
Sermon Summary: True greatness in Christ’s kingdom comes through humility.
