Day 21- Who is Greatest in the Kingdom?

A dark spiritual storm is brewing over Israel. The religious leaders in Jerusalem- the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes, are secretly plotting how to kill this prophet from Nazareth. Jesus secretly travels through Galilee, not wanting anyone to know where He is, He still has work to do, His death is not yet. He focuses His teachings to His disciples and reminds them often He is to suffer and die in Jerusalem and rise again. His words grieve and perplex the ones who have come to know and love Him more than their own life.

READ: John 7:1-9; Matthew 17:22-27; 18:1-35; Mark 9:30-50; Luke 9:43-50

Major Events

The religious Jews are actively seeking to kill Jesus (John)
Jesus tells Peter to catch a fish to pay the Temple tax (Matt 17)
The Disciples argue about who will be the greatest (Matt 18; Mark 9; Luke 9)
The Disciples see someone else casting out demons in Jesus' name (Mark 9)
Jesus teaches on various topics (Matt 18)
- Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?
- The parable of the lost sheep
- Restoring a brother who has sinned
- The parable of the unmerciful servant

Major Topics

Son of Man
Resurrection
Prophecy
Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom of God
Stumbling blocks (offense)
Eternal fire
Hell
Heaven
Will of the Heavenly Father
Restoring a brother in sin
Reconciliation
Prayer
Forgiveness
Evangelism
Salt
Feast of Booths

Video

Matthew 17

Matthew 18

Luke 9

John 7

Key Words & Phrases

The Story

John 7:1 After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.
Matthew 17:22-23 And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; 23 and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." And they were deeply grieved.
Mark 9:30 From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it.

The Teachings of Jesus

Mark 9:31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later."
Matthew 17:22-23 And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; 23 and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." And they were deeply grieved.
Luke 9:44 "Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men."
Matthew 18:3 and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4 "Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Mark 9:36-37 Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37 "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."
Matthew 18:11 ["For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.]
Matthew 18:18 "Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:19 "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.
John 7:7 "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.

Questions for Reflection

Paying Temple Tax (Matt 17)

How do God's laws and human laws fit together?
How is it possible for us to both serve Christ and obey the government?

Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matt 18)

What is it about children that Christi wants us to be like?
What prevents us from being more childlike in our faith?
In what ways can you be more childlike?

The parable of the Lost Sheep (Matt 18)

How does it change your image of God to see Him described as a caring shepherd who searches frantically for one lost individual?
How does it change your image of God to see Him described as a compassionate Father who doesn't want to see even one person lost?
What "lost sheep" can you search for and try to round up this week by demonstrating the love and acceptance of Christ?

Restoring a brother who has sinned (Matt 18)

Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
When should we air our grievances in public?
What biblical principles can you practice today so as to avoid conflicts with others?

The parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matt 18)

How are we to interpret Jesus' answer, "seventy-seven times"?
If God is so willing to forgive us, why are we sometimes unwilling to forgive others?

Digging Deeper

David Guzik commentary Matthew 18, Mark 9, Luke 9, John 7

Curious Christians

In John 7 Jesus' disciples go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast, Feast of Booths. Click here for an article describing the Feast of Booths and the other 6 feasts, or celebrations, as well. Below is a chart of the 7 Feasts of Israel and their significance.

Living the Lesson

Here is where the Holy Spirit has opportunity to bring great revelation and transformation in your life--in reflection and obedience to what you have been reading and studying in God's Word today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can respond in obedience to the devotion today. Use the following questions to prompt you.

Is there a...

SIN to confess?
PROMISE to claim?
ATTITUDE to change?
COMMAND to obey?
EXAMPLE to follow?
PRAYER to pray?
ERROR to avoid?
TRUTH to believe?
SOMETHING for which to praise God?