Monday, August 22, 2016

KINGDOM OF GOD 8

Jesus motivates His disciples to live righteously by emphasizing that such living comes from the heart with love and in trust, more than through observance of an external code of ethics. Consequently, NT wisdom reveals the differences between a correct behavior, based only on the Law, and righteous actions that proceed from the heart of a new life reborn in Christ.

How does one become great in the kingdom of God? (Luke 22:25-27)

The Lord Jesus chose men-ordinary fallible humans beings-to be His disciples.  Like people everywhere, they wrestled with pride and ambition (Matt. 20:20-23). Realizing their striving, Jesus set a little child down in their midst, saying that in the kingdom, the great are like children-humble, trusting, and teachable (Matt. 18:4). 

Later, when their concern for status surfaced again, he elaborated this law, saying that the greatest is the servant of all (Luke 22:25-27). This standard works today!  The great in our society are people who serve the sick, the needy, and the wounded.  These are great because they have given themselves to serve others.  Jesus Christ leads the list.  He is the greatest of all because He gave Himself for the sins of the world (Phil. 2:1-11).

There is a very practical outworking of the law of greatness in the everyday world.  Those who do serve the most people may often become the most famous and prosperous.  But this was not their motive; rather, recognition seems to be the inevitable fruit of self-giving, childlike service to mankind. 



In Christ,

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts


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