Topical Encyclopedia Strife among the disciples of Jesus is a recurring theme in the New Testament, highlighting the human tendencies toward ambition, misunderstanding, and rivalry even among those closest to Christ. This strife serves as a backdrop for Jesus' teachings on humility, servanthood, and unity.Instances of Strife 1. Who is the Greatest? One of the most notable instances of strife among the disciples is their argument over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 18:1, the disciples come to Jesus and ask, "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question reveals their misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingdom, which is not about earthly power or status but about humility and service. Jesus responds by calling a child to Him and saying, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). 2. Request of James and John Another instance occurs when James and John, the sons of Zebedee, make a bold request for positions of honor in Jesus' glory. In Mark 10:35-37, they ask, "Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory." This request causes indignation among the other disciples, leading to further strife. Jesus addresses this by teaching them about true greatness: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all" (Mark 10:43-44). 3. The Last Supper During the Last Supper, a dispute arises among the disciples about who is considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). This moment is particularly poignant as it occurs just before Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the disciples' ongoing struggle with understanding His mission. Jesus uses this opportunity to reinforce His teaching on servanthood, saying, "The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves" (Luke 22:26). Teachings on Humility and Unity The strife among the disciples provides a platform for Jesus to teach essential principles of the Christian life. He consistently emphasizes humility, servanthood, and unity as the hallmarks of His followers. In John 13:14-15, after washing the disciples' feet, Jesus says, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you" . This act of humility serves as a powerful lesson against the backdrop of their disputes. The Role of the Holy Spirit After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks a significant transformation in the disciples. The Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome their previous strife and work together in unity for the spread of the Gospel. Acts 2:1-4 describes how they were all together in one place, filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them. This unity and empowerment are crucial for the early church's mission and growth. Conclusion The strife among the disciples serves as a reminder of the human propensity for rivalry and ambition, even among those who follow Christ. However, through Jesus' teachings and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples learn to embody the principles of humility, servanthood, and unity, which are foundational to the Christian faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 22:24And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Strife among the Disciples. Peace and Strife. Return to Capernaum. --Dispute among the Disciples for Precedence. ... The Parable of the Sower. --Christ's Explanation of the Parable to ... "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... His Life The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ... The Lonely Christ Love, the Motive Power for Service. Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin? Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | 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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