A Matter of Heart: Who is the Greatest?

Hello all:

For those who were unaware, I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Our group is the G.A.P. (for Graduates and Professionals), and each week I post the outlines and discussion questions from my lessons on the G.A.P. page on Facebook. I thought it might be a good thing to share these on the blog too so as to keep it a bit more active. So, with that introduction, here is the outline and questions for our meeting on September 20. The lesson was on Mark 9:30-37. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!

A Matter of Heart
Who is the Greatest?
Mark 9:30-37

Introduction
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a hero
Win the big game
Save those in distress
Defeat the “bad guys”

Few people are born with a desire to be less than best
In our hearts, most of us want to be champions, to be the greatest

Questions
When you think of the word “greatest,” what comes to mind?
What did you dream of being when you dreamed of being the “best”?
Who represents best what it means to be the “greatest” in your life?

To be great requires great heart
Let’s look at a situation in Jesus’ life that reveals a contrast between someone great and someone “not so great”
Mark 9:30-37

1. Committed or Confused
Mark 9:30-32
Notice the contrast in these verses

Jesus is clear about what will happen next
This is now the third time he predicted his own passion

The disciples are confused
They are even unwilling to ask questions anymore
They are poor “learners” or disciples because they are apparently comfortable with their confusion

Jesus is committed to the plan set before him
He knows this is why he was sent, he does not need false publicity or recognition by others to spur him to complete God’s plan

The disciples have not even “heard” him
They refuse even to speak

The committed heart is focused on what God wants and refuses to be confused by outside concerns

2. Haughty or Humble
Mark 9:33-37
Notice the contrast here

Jesus discusses his death, and it falls on “deaf” ears
The disciples discuss who is greatest, while they miss the point

Jesus speaks straightforward truth, he is honest
The disciples’ confusion/shame causes them to stay silent

Jesus exalts the humble
The disciples discuss who is the best (behind Jesus’ back)

The humble heart serves others regardless of status

True greatness is
Honest
Doesn’t look for honors
Willing to serve the “least of these”

Are you great?

3. Application
To be great requires an honest and humble heart

We’ll never attain to Jesus’ high expectations
If we refuse to be honest about ourselves
If we refuse to humble ourselves

We must be willing to speak the truth about our lives, our selves, and our circumstances
It is time to be like a child, take off our masks with our brothers and sisters
This will require a commitment to love and to serve each other regardless of what we discover

If we are to be the men and women God intends, we must be “in each others’ lives”

This week, give serious thought to the relationships in your life
Look at where you are truly committed, ask yourself what (or who) you are “sold out to”
Ask where you have been less than honest or where you have thought more highly of yourself than you should
Humble yourself and ask forgiveness where needed
Follow Christ’s lead and speak truth where needed
Find a way to serve or to accept someone with childlike trust

4. Questions
Why do you think the disciples of Jesus were so intent on talking about their status than about what He had just been talking about?

Why might they be arguing now about who is the greatest? How does Jesus handle their conflict? Where do you tend to defend yourself the most? What causes arguments among us?

What do you find yourselves discussing "along the way" of life with fellow believers as you walk with Jesus Christ? Are you being honest with each other, or are you trying to look “best” and save face?

What does Jesus say about greatness?

Did you demonstrate a child-like faith when you came to trust in Christ for your salvation? Are you continuing to show that same trust as you walk with him? Why/why not?

What has been your experience when you submit yourself to the will of God and say "I am yours. I am your humble servant, ready to do your will"?

Thanks for reading!