WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
#5 of 7 in SUCCESS-SERVICE-REWARDS series
Luke 22:24
“Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.”
Luke 22:21-23 shows Jesus telling His disciples that one of them would betray Him. Competition for “who’s the best” disciple surfaced. People still compete for who’s the best today.
“Who’s your favorite son, Mom?” Benjy and Danny, 8 year-old twins asked.
The twin’s mom, Eileen, looked into her sons’ questioning eyes. “Let me think about this” she said.”
“Remember who was born first, Mom!” Danny hinted.
Why is it important to know if we’re special, and exactly how special?
Human beings are wired to have certain needs. Being loved is one. Another is to feel relevant (REL-e-vant means important, significant, useful, necessary. Because God created each person for a specific purpose, we’re both loved and significant. Jesus challenges us to stretch and grow past comfort zones by turning our worlds upside down. Can present values become eternal ones?
As Jesus’ disciples watched Him ascend (Luke 24:51)—disappearing from their view—the fact that Jesus is God, and heaven is for real sharpened their focus. They abandoned pride-fueled arguments about who was the greatest. They got down to the serious business of dying to self, and living for God. They learned humility. They tasted hunger. They braved desertion by friends. AND when the Holy Spirit arrived, (Acts 2), they were indwelt with supernatural power.
The Holy Spirit counseled them, reminding them of Jesus’ words. He taught them righteous fear (reverence for the living God). He led them onto the path that they’d been chosen for. Jesus’ apostles became “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).
Jesus’ disciples understood that servants serve their master (Jesus). The steward cares for the master’s property (people). The mysteries of God are what believers understand and what unbelievers don’t get.1 Who can explain sanctification (see Special & Sanctified devotion), justification (see Not Guilty devotion), or salvation (see Life Goal—Salvation devotion)?
Those who make Jesus Lord of their lives grow spiritually. Growth can be measured by their new “view of success” yardstick. As we grow beyond craving earthly success (fame and fortune), we learn to strive for eternal victory (service to Christ).
Jesus’ original disciples finally “got it” after following the resurrected Christ another 40 days. True success cares more about others than ourselves. Becoming Jesus’ disciple is serious business. ... You’re Jesus’ disciple! Your world will turn upside down when focusing on honoring others instead of yourself.
Take Home Nugget
Eileen circled her arms around both sons. “I love you both equally. Your question isn’t relevant! Now run outside and play.”
Those who keep eyes on the Lord don’t lose sight of their purpose.
1 NIV/The Message Parallel Study Bible, (Michigan: Zondervan, 2008), 1 Corinthians 4:1, notes. 2264.
J.D. Griffith
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