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Mark 
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Day 234

2 Peter 3:15b "As also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you" 2 Peter 3:15b"

Day 234 – Mark 10

“As also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you” 2 Peter 3:15b

RECALLING AN OLD LESSON

What did Jesus say to His Disciples the first time when the issue of greatness was first brought up? He said,


“If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all
and servant of all.”
MARK 9:35

This lesson was probably forgotten, or not fully comprehended!

WITH EVEN GREATER DEPTH AND EMPHASIS

Jesus knew that He had to address this issue even more deeply. If this matter of “greatness” was not resolved satisfactorily, He knew that the band of Disciples would never be able to work alongside each other for long.

“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority
over them.
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires
to become great among you shall be your servant.
And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
MARK 10:42-45

1. Rejecting the secular (Gentile) model

a) They lord it over their subjects.
b) Often they misuse and abuse their authority.

2. Receiving the Jesus Model

a) Heeding His principles
True greatness in God’s kingdom is not about authority, but service. He, who serves humbly, as expected of a slave, is destined for greatness.
b) Heeding His example
If anyone had a right to “greatness” Jesus did! But He did not come to be served! Instead, He was always serving others!
c) Giving His life
True greatness is being prepared to lay down one’s life for others. Jesus was going to lay down His life as a ransom for many! That is true greatness!