Chapter 3, Humility, True Greatness

What does true greatness look like?

The sinful and cultural definition of greatness may look more like individuals motivated by,
*self-interest
*self-indulgence
*a false sense of self-sufficiency which pursues selfish ambitions for the purpose of self-glorification.

In Mark 10 we saw the apostles revealing their own attitudes of pridefulness as they argued about who was the greatest. But then we see Jesus taking the time to teach them a few things about greatness.

C.J. Mahaney comments on that teaching by Jesus,  "What I find fascinating and instructive in His next words is that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire and ambition to be great.  Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition, redefines it and purifies it: 

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all, for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Mark 10:43-45

 Jesus radically redefined greatness. He explained it as the genuine expression of humility; Serving others for the glory of God.

Do you find a battle bubbling up in your heart as you consider going the way of Jesus versus the way of the world?
As He taught the apostles, He teaches you and me.

In Chapter 4 we will see how He makes it possible for us to pursue and find freedom from the pride that God opposes.

For now, let's consider our own motives and desires.
Let's notice humble, selfless deeds in ourselves and others.
Let's allow Jesus to reveal new things to us as we focus our eyes on the true greatness that is all around us.