Observations From Lk. 9:46-48

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Observations From Lk. 9:46-48

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46 Displayed in the disciples’ argument Why were they thinking this way?

Possibly thought Jesus’ kingdom was imminent vv. 1, 2, 28

Were they “jockeying for positions?”

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46 Not necessarily wrong to be “ambitious” A temperament given to us by God

Must have ambition to “subdue the world” Gen 1:28

Must have ambition to lead family, be a homemaker, teach others

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46 Not necessarily wrong to be “ambitious” Ambition must be “checked” or controlled

Unchecked is not being submissive to God Leads to other sins (pride, selfishness,

exploitation of others, etc.)

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46 The disciples got caught up in “ambitions” They were overly concerned with positions

of power or “influence” cp. Mk 10:35-37 They had a “physical” or “carnal” view of

the kingdom cp. Lk 24:18-21 Acts 1:6

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46 Because of this “view,” the disciples

persisted to gain favored status…all the way to the end of their time on earth with Jesus cp. Lk 22:24-26

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Jesus illustrated the standard of “true

greatness”…compared to the disciples’ ambitious argument He was aware of their thoughts…addressed

this argument based on omniscience v. 47a He called a child to Himself v. 47b

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Thus, the contrast between man’s ambition

and Jesus’ demands The disciples thought of ruling people,

receiving praise from them Jesus thought of serving children

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 “Ambitions of power” cannot be furthered

when dealing in the realm of children Total unselfishness is required Does not involve what you can get from them It is all about what you need to do for them

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Jesus teaches a hard truth…one that may

even shame us if we miss it cp. Mk 9:34 Spirituality in, fitness for His kingdom is

tested by our relation to children A spirit of humility that would serve others…

even a child

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Jesus teaches a hard truth…one that may

even shame us if we miss it cp. Mk 9:34 Spirituality in, fitness for His kingdom is

tested by our relation to children A spirit that does not put stumbling blocks in

front of others cp. Phil 2:3-4

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 What does it mean to “receive a child in

My name?” v. 48 To receive the characteristics of children

(accept, take on) To become as a child Mt 18:3 Mk 9:33-37 Done “in His name” (by His authority)

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Why is it necessary to become like a child?

Children not concerned with power, grandeur Children know they are weak, dependent Children gladly look to others for help,

strength, support Children are submissive, “moldable”

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Why is it necessary to become like a child?

Children are genuine, not hypocritical (They learn falsehood, hypocrisy from adults)

Children know how to love, be loved Even those who exploit, abuse, mistreat them They love to please others

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48 Jesus used a powerful “visual aid”

He simply placed a child in the midst of men who were arguing about “greatness”

He emphasized the purity He demands of those who wear His name as disciples

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Conclusion The world will not see “greatness” this way The world & its “thinking” runs counter

culture to the demands of the Son of God Jn 18:36

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48Conclusion We do have an “ambition” to be exalted…

“in due time” 1 Pet 5:5-6 We must not exalt ourselves Lk 14:11 We need to serve God, allow Him to exalt

us into “True Greatness” when He desires

Observations From Lk. 9:46-48

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