While disciples Peter, James, and John still basked in the delight of the Mount of Transfiguration, something more sinister brewed under the surface. As they moved from the mountain top experience down to the valley, they faced more than just the evil of a boy who had a demon. Their bigger problem did not begin at the bottom of the mountain; their problem went down the mountain with them.
“Who is the greatest?”
Just one day after the Mount of Transfiguration, where the disciples saw Jesus in His glorified state alongside both Elijah and Moses, Jesus overhears a conversation between the disciples – or kind of overhears it. They were arguing over who is the greatest among them.
46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” (Luke 9:46-48)
After the incredible worship experience at the top of the mountain, by the time they arrived at the bottom of the mountain, they wondered which one was greatest. They were interested in their own place in the future kingdom of the Messiah more than worshiping the Messiah.
“Who is the greatest?”
This question by the disciples among themselves actually revealed who was the greatest for each of them. They each campaigned in their own hearts and desired the chief seats. Each of them wanted to be the number one. They were not asking how they could serve the greatest One, or how it was possible to take up their cross and follow Jesus, or what sacrificial love looked like in their lives for others. No, they were wondering – and hoping to be the one – who was the greatest. The question actually revealed the answer; however, they were too blind to see it.
Today and this week, I ask you to consider the same question, Who is the greatest?
My prayer is Jesus!
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together