Aspiring To Greatness
Part 87 - Luke 22:24-38 (ESV) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
Matthew 20:26-27:
“…but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.”
Mean Joe Green was the backbone of Pittsburgh’s steel curtain defense that led the Steeler dynasty to four Super Bowl titles. Dan Marino is regarded as the greatest pure passer the NFL has ever seen. Dick Butkus was a Chicago Bears legend who struck fear into opposing offenses with his ferocious tackling. Jerry Rice is still the career leader in receiving yards with 22,895, 5000 more than the next closest wideout. Their superior skill and physical dominance made these men some of the gridiron’s greatest.
But what does it take to be great in the kingdom of God?
Continuing in our salvation story, we read that the disciples were arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest. The aura of being apostles and the anticipation of ruling in the coming kingdom blinded them to Jesus’ imminent death. Peter, the most outspoken and naturally gifted leader of the group, boasted of his deep and undying commitment to the Lord. However, Jesus foretells Peter’s denial and prepares all of his disciples for the hardships that would come.
Becoming an NFL legend is no easy feat, nor is greatness in the kingdom of God. As disciples, we are called to sacrificially serve. We will be spiritually sifted. And, like Jesus, we are called to similarly suffer. There is no escaping hardship. It is the inglorious path to true greatness.
