The Kingdom of Christ ~ Day 20

October 21 2006 - Day 20

Mark 9:30-35

Passage: Today I find Jesus traveling with His disciples and using the time alone with them to teach them about the kingdom of Christ. It is well known that the Jews of Jesus’ day were expecting a Messiah who would free them from the Roman rule and who would restore the nation of Israel to its former glory, forever. However, the plan of God was far different. Jesus did not come to earth to set up a physical kingdom. He did not come to conquer the Roman authorities by great military might. Rather he tells the disciples that He must killed by the hands of men and that He must rise three days later. He also makes it clear what type of following He expected from His disciples. The disciples were expecting greatness and honor to be awarded them for following Jesus. They wanted to be the king’s right hand-men once He set up His kingdom. Rather, Jesus said you must be last in this world and you must be servants to people. Then you will be considered first in the kingdom of Christ.

Application: The temptation to be number one in the kingdom of Christ is still a reality two-thousand years later and it is still just as contrary to the teaching of Christ. I must guard against desiring the praise of men. It is very easy for me to do things for the sake of being seen or for the mere thought that people will recognize me. This was contrary to the teaching of Jesus. He said you must be last and you must be a servant of people. Jesus also taught in other places that the validity of actions such as serving are also judged by the mind and attitude that they are done with. So I must be sure that in all my ministry and service to the people of God I am not doing it for my glory and praise. I must take the road of sacrifice and suffering that Jesus took and do it with a humble and joyful heart.