Today on Yahoo & Fox News -3-21-15 11 Former Supermodels Then and Now FBI launches probe of 33-year-old former rising GOP star Aaron

Schock What are the Best 2015 Smartphones? N. Korea: If U.S. strikes us, we’ll strike back Trending Now:

Samsung Galaxy S6; Madonna tour 2015; High cholesterol; Holly Madison…

Magnum Mystery -White House: Obamas not secret buyers of ‘P.I.” home; Abe’s Last Ride – Veterans chip in to recreate Lincoln’s funeral hearse; …

Common denominators: Money (wealth), Entertainment & EntertainersPower struggles (political & other), & combinations of all

Greatness defined: How large in size, large in number, measure. Remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness Full of emotion (great with anger) Eminent, distinguished, chief or preeminent over

others – often used in titles (Lord Great Chamberlain) Aristocratic (great ladies) Principal, Main

4th Retirement -- Back to Bethsaida Julias-- North to Caesarea Philippi-- North to Mount Hermon-- Return to Capernaum

1. Jesus rebukes sp. dullness of disciples on way to Bethsaida (Mk. 8:13-21; Matt. 16:5-12)

2. Heals blind man at Bethsaida (Mk. 8:22-26)

3. Travels to Caesarea Philippi where He…-- Announces est. of the church (Mk. 8:27-30;

Matt. 16:13-20; Lk. 9:18-21)-- Predicts His death & resurrection plainly

(Mk. 8:31-37; Matt. 16:21-26; Lk. 9:22-25), & His kingdom & glory (Mk. 8:38-9:1; Matt. 16:27-28; Lk. 9:26-27)

4. Travels to Mt. Hermon, Transfiguration, then conversation about Elijah when descending mountain (Matt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36)

5. Traveling south from Mt. Hermon, Jesus heals a demoniac boy whom the apostles could not heal, & reprimands disciples little faith (Matt. 17:14-20; Mk. 9:14-29; Lk. 9:27-43)

6. On way to Capernaum & while there,... Jesus predicts His death a 2nd time (Matt. 17:22-

23; Mk. 9:30-32; Lk. 9:43-45), Peter was asked about Jesus’ paying half-shekel

(Matt. 17:24-27), Disciples argue about who is greatest (Mark 9:33-

34), John’s jealousy over another disciple (Mk. 9:38-41), & Jesus’ instructions on true greatness & sins, [causing another to sin, & what to do when one sins against you] (Matt. 18:1-35; Mk. 9:42-50; Luke 9:46-50).

Jesus’ brothers advise Him to go to Judea & show Himself to the world, & He does (Jn. 7:2-10; Lk. 9:51-62)

True Greatness as defined by Jesus:Mark 9:33-50; Matt. 18

Discussion with apostles surrounded:

1.Who would be greatest among them (Mk. 9:33-34).

2.The problem of jealousy over one who cast out demons but was not among the apostles. Likely they were jealous over another’s work (Mk. 9:38-41), and desired for themselves honorary and official positions.

3.Pride and envy over one’s position that can cause another to stumble (Mk. 9:42; Matt. 18:5-6).

4.The problem of sin: causing another to sin, & what to do when one sins against you.

In all this, Jesus discusses what is true greatness.

True Greatness as defined by Jesus:1. Not position of power, but service (Mk. 9:35).

-- in teaching others the gospel [hospitable, invitations to services, transportation, home for Bible studies,…].

-- in encouraging others to faithfulness [attendance, greeting and interest in everyone, special interest in

new members.

-- offering to do whatever service one can do in the work and worship of the church.

2. Never jealous over another genuine disciple’s work (Mk. 9:38-41).

-- rather glory in the good that is done (Phil. 1:15-18)In this, pride, arrogance, & jealousy are removed.

True Greatness as defined by Jesus:1. One who has been converted (Matt. 18:1-3).

-- a change has occurred (in mind, will, actions, & state).2. Becomes childlike (Matt. 18:3).

-- eager to learn, willing to accept other genuine disciples.3. Humbles himself (Matt. 18:4).

-- sees good in others, one’s own inadequacies, need to improve.

4. Concern over one’s influence leading any to sin. (Matt. 18:1-6, 7-14).

5. Concern over saving a brother who has sinned against us (Matt. 18:15-17).

6. Genuine forgiveness to penitent people (Matt. 18:21-35).7. Concern even over what some would consider “least

commandments” (Matt. 5:19).

True Greatness as defined by Jesus:1. One who has been converted (Matt. 18:1-

3).-- a change has occurred (in mind, will, actions).

2. Becomes childlike (Matt. 18:3).-- eager to learn, willing to accept other genuine disciples.

3. Humbles himself (Matt. 18:4).-- sees good in others, one’s own inadequacies, need to improve.

4. Concern over one’s influence leading any to sin.

(Matt. 18:1-6, 7-14).5. Concern over saving a brother who has

sinned against us (Matt. 18:15-17).

6. Genuine forgiveness to penitent people (Matt. 18:21-35).

7. Concern even over what some would consider “least commandments” (Matt. 5:19).

Jesus never gives a place in the kingdom for those who are “least.”

We are either “great” or not in it at all.

True greatness in the eyes of the world has nothing to do with greatness before God.