1. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 …

3. Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46  Displayed in the disciples’ argument  Why were they thinking this way?  Possibly thought Jesus’ kingdom was imminent vv. 1, 2, 28  Were they “jockeying for positions?”

4. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46  Not necessarily wrong to be “ambitious”  A temperament given to us by God  Must have ambition to “subdue the world” Gen 1:28  Must have ambition to lead family, be a homemaker, teach others

5. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46  Not necessarily wrong to be “ambitious”  Ambition must be “checked” or controlled  Unchecked is not being submissive to God  Leads to other sins (pride, selfishness, exploitation of others, etc.)

6. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46  The disciples got caught up in “ambitions”  They were overly concerned with positions of power or “influence” cp. Mk 10:35-37  They had a “physical” or “carnal” view of the kingdom cp. Lk 24:18-21 Acts 1:6

7. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Human Aspirations: Ambition v. 46  Because of this “view,” the disciples persisted to gain favored status…all the way to the end of their time on earth with Jesus cp. Lk 22:24-26

8. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Jesus illustrated the standard of “true greatness”…compared to the disciples’ ambitious argument  He was aware of their thoughts…addressed this argument based on omniscience v. 47a  He called a child to Himself v. 47b

9. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Thus, the contrast between man’s ambition and Jesus’ demands  The disciples thought of ruling people, receiving praise from them  Jesus thought of serving children

10. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  “Ambitions of power” cannot be furthered when dealing in the realm of children  Total unselfishness is required  Does not involve what you can get from them  It is all about what you need to do for them

11. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Jesus teaches a hard truth…one that may even shame us if we miss it cp. Mk 9:34  Spirituality in, fitness for His kingdom is tested by our relation to children  A spirit of humility that would serve others… even a child

12. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Jesus teaches a hard truth…one that may even shame us if we miss it cp. Mk 9:34  Spirituality in, fitness for His kingdom is tested by our relation to children  A spirit that does not put stumbling blocks in front of others cp. Phil 2:3-4

13. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  What does it mean to “receive a child in My name?” v. 48  To receive the characteristics of children (accept, take on)  To become as a child Mt 18:3 Mk 9:33-37  Done “in His name” (by His authority)

14. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Why is it necessary to become like a child?  Children not concerned with power, grandeur  Children know they are weak, dependent  Children gladly look to others for help, strength, support  Children are submissive, “moldable”

15. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Why is it necessary to become like a child?  Children are genuine, not hypocritical (They learn falsehood, hypocrisy from adults)  Children know how to love, be loved  Even those who exploit, abuse, mistreat them  They love to please others

16. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Divine Demand: Child-like vv. 47-48  Jesus used a powerful “visual aid”  He simply placed a child in the midst of men who were arguing about “greatness”  He emphasized the purity He demands of those who wear His name as disciples

17. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Conclusion  The world will not see “greatness” this way  The world & its “thinking” runs counter culture to the demands of the Son of God Jn 18:36

18. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 Conclusion  We do have an “ambition” to be exalted… “in due time” 1 Pet 5:5-6  We must not exalt ourselves Lk 14:11  We need to serve God, allow Him to exalt us into “True Greatness” when He desires

19. Observations From Lk. 9:46-48 …