Topical Encyclopedia Ambition, in its worldly sense, often refers to the desire for personal advancement, power, or recognition. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, such ambition is frequently condemned, as it stands in contrast to the values of humility, servitude, and selflessness that He espoused.Teachings of Jesus on Ambition 1. The Greatest in the Kingdom: In Matthew 18:1-4, the disciples approached Jesus, asking, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus responded by calling a little child to Him and said, "Truly I tell you, 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." Here, Jesus emphasizes humility over ambition for greatness. 2. Servant Leadership: In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus addresses the ambition for power among His disciples. He says, "You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Jesus contrasts worldly ambition with the call to serve others selflessly. 3. Warnings Against Hypocrisy: In Matthew 23:5-12, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their ambition to be seen and honored by others. He states, "They do all their deeds to be seen by men... They love the place of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of 'Rabbi' by which they are addressed. But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers." Jesus warns against the pursuit of titles and recognition, urging His followers to embrace humility. 4. Parable of the Rich Fool: In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man whose ambition was to store up wealth for himself. The man said, "I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods." But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" Jesus concludes, "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God." The parable illustrates the futility of selfish ambition and the importance of being rich in spiritual matters. Christ's Example of Humility Jesus Christ Himself exemplified the ultimate rejection of worldly ambition. Philippians 2:5-8 describes His humility: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's life and sacrificial death serve as the model for His followers, demonstrating that true greatness lies in humility and obedience to God's will. Conclusion The teachings of Jesus Christ consistently challenge the pursuit of personal ambition for power, status, or wealth. Instead, He calls His followers to a life of humility, service, and self-sacrifice, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 18:1,3,4At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 20:25,26 Matthew 23:11,12 Library Woes on the Pharisees Men Often Highly Esteem what God Abhors. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Paul's Last Letter The Trial at Caesarea The Law of Greatness The Parable of the Householder. A Sermon, by Bishop Latimer. Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ... Letter ii. Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday. Resources What does the Bible say about ambition? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty Ambition: Connected With: Pride Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating Ambition: The Builders of Babel Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
    |