Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Nov 3, 2006 11:45:35 GMT -5
A Quest For Greatness By Jeff Ferris
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:1 KJV)
It was an outward stretch, an upward push, a steady climb to the top. Which of us is the greatest? That was the question among the disciples as they elbowed each other?s ribs and vied for heavenly position. Steadily, they jockeyed for authority and clawed their way toward greater recognition. The question had to be answered, and the truth revealed.
Competition was what was greatest among them, but they didn?t know it.
Finally, it had to be settled. Let?s go ask Jesus, they reasoned. That was a great idea, but I doubt they had anticipated His answer. And I can assume they did not like His answer. I can make this assumption because you and I are no different than those disciples. But the answer Jesus offered was unwavering, and His words remain with us today.
The big answer came with the help of a tiny visual aid.
And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (vv 2 & 3).
Can you imagine? Nothing is said of our physical stature or political position. No acknowledgement is given to our seminary degree or college diplomas. No lineage is traced. No respect is offered to our ancestry. There is no admiration extended to our efforts for perfection; or recognition of our accomplishments. And no inventory is taken of our material accumulation or financial gain.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (v 4).
Becoming as an innocent child? Humility? Honesty? Affection? This is what constitutes greatness in the eyes of our Savior? Yes, and let us not forget about servitude; and we will do well to add Love and Forgiveness to our list also.
Jeff Ferris
Toledo, OH
419-478-3833
jferris@bex.net
Article Source: www.faithwriters.com
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:1 KJV)
It was an outward stretch, an upward push, a steady climb to the top. Which of us is the greatest? That was the question among the disciples as they elbowed each other?s ribs and vied for heavenly position. Steadily, they jockeyed for authority and clawed their way toward greater recognition. The question had to be answered, and the truth revealed.
Competition was what was greatest among them, but they didn?t know it.
Finally, it had to be settled. Let?s go ask Jesus, they reasoned. That was a great idea, but I doubt they had anticipated His answer. And I can assume they did not like His answer. I can make this assumption because you and I are no different than those disciples. But the answer Jesus offered was unwavering, and His words remain with us today.
The big answer came with the help of a tiny visual aid.
And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (vv 2 & 3).
Can you imagine? Nothing is said of our physical stature or political position. No acknowledgement is given to our seminary degree or college diplomas. No lineage is traced. No respect is offered to our ancestry. There is no admiration extended to our efforts for perfection; or recognition of our accomplishments. And no inventory is taken of our material accumulation or financial gain.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (v 4).
Becoming as an innocent child? Humility? Honesty? Affection? This is what constitutes greatness in the eyes of our Savior? Yes, and let us not forget about servitude; and we will do well to add Love and Forgiveness to our list also.
Jeff Ferris
Toledo, OH
419-478-3833
jferris@bex.net
Article Source: www.faithwriters.com