A Consideration of Great Things Men have always been interested in “great things,” even Jesus’ disciples (Mark 10: 35-45). Involved in a study of great is great, positive degree, greater, comparatively viewed, and greatest, the superlative degree. It appears that the mother of James and John (probably Solome, Mark 16: 1 compared to Matthew 27: 56) joined in with her sons regarding their request to be great. Jesus, in reply to Peter’s question “what is our reward?,” had just told them that they would all, “…sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19: 28, cp. Mark 10: 28-31). Now James and John desire outstanding recognition and positions over the ten pertaining to the Lord’s Kingdom. Perhaps they thought that their kinship to Jesus would entitled them to such great positions. Regardless, Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about greatness, true greatness (Mark 10: 42-45). There are truly great matters and then by comparison, greatest things. We shall consider some greatest things in this study.

A Consideration of Great Things Love – The greatest principle in salvation (I Cor. 13: 1-8). In dealing with the greatness of love and showing how love is the greatest principle and emotion, there are a number of verses to be used. For instance, I Corinthians 13: 13, Galatians 5: 6, and Colossians 3: 14.

A Consideration of Great Things Blood of Jesus – Greatest remedy in man’s redemption (Matt. 26: 28). The blood of Jesus provides expiation for who becoming a Christian and for the Christian (Matt. 26: 28, cp. Acts 2: 38; I John 1: 7). Without Jesus’ blood, there can be no redemption (Heb. 9).

A Consideration of Great Things Lord’s Supper – Greatest spiritual memorial (I Cor. 11: 23-26). Mention some memorials and show their importance. Then point out that no memorial compares in significance and scope to the memorial of Jesus’ death. Hence, the Lord’s Supper is the greatest memorial of all.

A Consideration of Great Things Heaven – The greatest hope man can have (Eph. 4: 4). The inheritance of the Christian is yet future and is reserved in heaven (Col. 1: 5, I Pet. 1: 4). See Hebrews 11: 13-16.

A Consideration of Great Things The church – The greatest institution (Matt. 11: 11). Jesus built this institution and provided his precious blood so it could become a reality (Matt. 16: 18, Acts 20: 28). God’s wisdom is certainly observed in his church, its work, organization, and nature (I Tim. 3: 15). It is a shame and disgrace when brethren start to resort to establishing their own privately funded organizations in which to pool their resources and through which to preach the gospel, edify saints, and exercise benevolence for needy saint, work God has assigned to his collectivity, the local church, to be overseen by God appointed and qualified elders!

A Consideration of Great Things The Bible – The greatest guide for man (Ps. 119: 104, 105). Consider the inspiration and completeness of utility of the scriptures (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17).

A Consideration of Great Things Sin – The greatest curse to ever come upon man (Isa. 59: 1, 2). Sin is indeed a curse, beginning with the original couple (Gen. 3).

A Consideration of Great Things The gospel – The greatest influence (Rom. 1: 16). The gospel has the ability to change the sinner and make him worship and serve his Creator and render him a source of good to all men (2 Cor. 5: 17).

A Consideration of Great Things The soul – Man’s greatest possession (Matt. 16: 26). Jesus showed from his question that there is not anything to be compared to the soul of man.

A Consideration of Great Things Men want great things, but they are often confused as to what is really great. All that we have seen constitute “great,” “greater,” and “greatest.” It is sad that so many expend their time and energies sometimes over a life time in search and pursuit of matters not that great. What we have studied, these matters are truly great, greater, and the greatest!