Topical Encyclopedia The theme of strife among the disciples over who could be the greatest is a significant topic in the New Testament, highlighting the human tendency towards pride and ambition even among those closest to Jesus Christ. This strife is recorded in several passages, notably in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.Biblical Accounts 1. Matthew 18:1-4 : "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' Jesus called a little child to stand among them. 'Truly I tell you,' He said, 'unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" In this passage, the disciples' question reveals their concern with status and rank within the kingdom of heaven. Jesus responds by emphasizing humility and childlike faith as the true markers of greatness in His kingdom. 2. Mark 9:33-35 : "Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the house, He asked them, 'What were you discussing on the way?' But they were silent, for on the way they had been arguing with each other about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.'" Here, Jesus addresses the disciples' argument directly, teaching them that true greatness is found in servanthood and humility, countering the worldly view of power and prestige. 3. Luke 22:24-27 : "A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest. So Jesus declared, 'The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is seated at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is seated at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'" This passage occurs during the Last Supper, underscoring the disciples' ongoing struggle with understanding the nature of true greatness. Jesus contrasts the worldly approach to leadership with His example of servanthood. Theological Implications The strife among the disciples over who could be the greatest serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of pride and the human desire for recognition. Jesus' teachings in these passages consistently redirect the focus from self-exaltation to humility and service. The call to become like a child, to be the last, and to serve others is a radical departure from societal norms and reflects the upside-down values of the kingdom of God. Practical Application For believers, these accounts challenge the pursuit of personal ambition and status within the church and the broader community. They encourage a lifestyle marked by humility, selflessness, and a commitment to serving others, following the example set by Christ Himself. The teachings of Jesus in these passages invite Christians to examine their motives and to seek greatness through service and love, rather than through power and prestige. Nave's Topical Index Mark 9:34But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. Nave's Topical Index Luke 22:24 Library Frances Power Cobbe. Who is the Greatest? A Servant of Servants Love, the Motive Power for Service. "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... The Last Supper. The Saviour's Peace. The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... The Contemptuous Rejection. The Lonely Christ Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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