THE GREATEST MAN IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Luke 9:46-62

Key Verse: 9:48

* A TRULY GREAT MAN (46-48)

1. What arguments arose among the disciples? What does this argument reveal about the aspirations of the disciples? Which of the Twelve seemed to be the best contenders for the top position? Why? (28; Mt.20:21)

2. How did Jesus teach them about true greatness? What does it mean to welcome a child? To do it in Jesus' name? (Jn.15:5) How did the disciples idea of greatness differ from that of Jesus? (Mk.10:4245)

3. What are the qualities of a child that Jesus wants us to emulate? (48b; Mk.10:15; Mt.11:28-29; Nu.12:3; James 4:6; 1Cor.15:9-10a)

* A TRULY PETTY MAN (49-56)

4. Why did John stop the man who was driving out demons in Jesus' name? What does this show about him?

5. How was Jesus' idea different? Why is exclusiveness the mark of a petty man?

6. Why did the Samaritans not welcome Jesus? How did James and John react? Why is anger the mark of a petty man? What does it mean that Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem?

* THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS (57-62)

7. What did Jesus say to the man who volunteered to follow Jesus anywhere? What did Jesus perceive as this man's spiritual problem? (See also Mt.6:33)

8. When Jesus invited another man to follow him, how did the man respond? What was wrong with his priorities? What either/or choice did Jesus give him? (Why not "both/and"?)

9. What did Jesus teach the man who wanted to go back and say good-bye to his family? What kind of decision of faith is necessary if one is to be a disciple of Jesus?

10. Summarize what you learn here about who is fit for service in the kingdom of God. What does it cost to be a disciple trained by Jesus? Why is it worth it?