October 13th~Three Marks

Mark 9:14-29

Matthew 17:14-21

Luke 9:37-43a

Mark 9:30-32

Matthew 17:22,23

Luke 9:43b-45

Matthew 17:24-27

Mark 9:33-37

Matthew 18:1-4

Luke 9:46-48

Mark 9:38-41

Luke 9:49, 50

Mark 9:42-50

Matthew 18:5-35

Jesus continued to stress with His disciples the importance of faith. “I assure you, even if you have faith as a mustard seed,” He said, “you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” (Matthew 17:20, 21). However, most of our passage today involved Jesus addressing the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” His answer sparked a time of teaching, in which He expanded on several key characteristics that His followers should exhibit.

First, Christ-followers do not concern themselves with greatness but with humility. “Anyone who wants to be the first must take the last place and be the servant of everyone else. Anyone who becomes as humble as a child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mark 9:35; Matthew 18:3). Pride has no place in the presence of God, for we have nothing of our own doing to boast. If we boast, let it be of what the Lord has done for us. Let us never view ourselves as greater than anyone else; let us view ourselves as a servant. That is greatness.

Second, Christ-followers are marked by self-discipline, controlling their fleshly impulses. “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off. If eye causes you to sin, gouge it out” (Mark 9:43- 47). Giving into our natural, sinful tendencies can lead us to ruin. Therefore, we must become adept at “cutting them off” or nipping them in the bud, to avoid personal consequences and the likelihood of causing others to stumble.

Third, Christ-followers forgive others as the Lord has forgiven them. We do not hold grudges, play manipulative games, or treat others differently because of an offense, rather we pursue peace and reconciliation. “Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:33).

Daily Reflection

Evaluate yourself in these three areas. With which do you concern yourself more, being great in the eyes of God or man? Explain. In what ways can you improve in this area?

How would you describe your self-discipline, your ability to control your selfish, sinful appetites? Have you been willing to lop off bad limbs or are you allowing them to produce bad fruit? How aware have you been to avoid leading others into sin because of your words or actions?

Are you one to seek reconciliation with others or do you seek revenge? Have you been faithful to follow the steps Jesus laid out, in order to protect the feelings and reputation of other people? Have you forgiven those who have offended you or are you holding on to grudges?

BiAY.org | Day 286 — 79 Days to Go