Study 25
True greatness
Read Mark 9v33-50
Pride comes very easily to the best of people - even Jesus' followers. And as the disciples argue about who is the greatest Jesus shows them that true greatness comes in humility (verse 35).
Humility not pride
To emphasise this Jesus points out a little child who is a Christian but seems unimportant and not much use to the kingdom of God. He says that
however they treat the child He will react as if they are treating Him - that’s how important all Christians are.
John in verse 33 seems rather embarrassed and states that surely the twelve disciples are better than anyone else. Only that day they had stopped someone performing miracles because He did not belong to them.
Black and white
Then Jesus makes a very clear statement. Either people are Christians (verse 40) or they are not. There is no grey area. Whoever belongs to Christ and does even the smallest task in Christ's name will not lose his or her reward.
In verse 42 we see how seriously God defends those who are in His kingdom. Whoever causes the weakest Christian to fall God will make it His business to judge.
When the bible speaks of hell it does not speak of an imaginary place but a place that really exists. The worm that does not die refers to the consciences of the people in hell, reminding them of all they have done which deserves punishment. The fire that is not quenched reminds people that the punishment is outside time and will last for eternity.
These I accept are difficult teachings to understand. But they are the plain teaching of Jesus who is himself 'the truth' (John 14:6).
If there is anything more important to us than trusting in Jesus, whatever it is, we need to get rid of it. It will not be worth it in the long run.
Verse 50 asks if we have Christ in us and whether we influence others for good. Do we love keeping peace with other real Christians? Are our lives different?
Time to think
- Are you proud?
- What keeps you from entering God’s kingdom?
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