Conclusion of A Lesson In Humility

When the disciples get together after their return trip to Capernaum, perhaps at Peter's house, they ask: "Who really is the greatest inthe kingdom of the heavens?" Jesus knows what it is that prompts their question, being aware of what was going on among them as they trailed behind him on their return from Caesarea Philippi. So he asks: "What were you arguing over on the road?" Embarrassed, the disciples keep silent, for they had argued among themselves over who would be the greatest.

After nearly three years of Jesus' teaching, does it seem incredible that the disciples would have such an argument? Well, it reveals the strong influence of human imperfection, as well as of religious background. The Jewish religion in which the disciples had been reared stressed position or rank in all dealings. Furthermore, perhaps Peter, because of Jesus' promise of receiving certain "keys" to the Kingdom, felt superior. James and John may have had similar ideas because of being favored with witnessing Jesus' transfiguration.

Whatever the case, Jesus stages a moving demonstration in an effort to correct their attitudes. He calls a child, stands it in their midst, puts his arms around it, and says: "Unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one that is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens; and whoever receives one such young child on the basis of my name receives me also."

What a marvelous way to correct his disciples! Jesus does not become angry with them and call them haughty, greedy or ambitious. No, but he illustrates his corrective teaching by using the example of young children, who are characteristically modest and free from ambition and who generally have not thought of rank among themselves. Thus Jesus shows that his disciples need to develop these qualities that characterize humble children. As Jesus concludes: "He that conducts himself as a lesser one among all of you is the one that is great." Matthew 17:22-27; 18:1-5; Mark 9:30-37; Luke 9:43-48.

Next time: Further Corrective Counsel

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991