Mat 18:1, 20:20-28 | Family | STEP | Greatest ; in that the kingdom on earth which they, in common with their countrymen, thought the Messiah would set up. Greatness in the view of men differs much from greatness in the sight of God. Men must give up seeking the one, in order to obtain the other. Among those who have right views of true greatness, there will never by any contention about it.

Matthew 18:1

Greatest; in that the kingdom on earth which they, in common with their countrymen, thought the Messiah would set up. Greatness in the view of men differs much from greatness in the sight of God. Men must give up seeking the one, in order to obtain the other. Among those who have right views of true greatness, there will never by any contention about it.

Matthew 20:20-28

Zebedee's children; James and John. Sit--on thy right hand; be thy chief officers.

In thy kingdom; thinking it would be an earthly kingdom. Parents often manifest much pride and ignorance in seeking worldly distinctions for their children, and Christ is wise and good in denying them those distinctions; for the attainment of them might for ever exclude them from true greatness and honor in his heavenly kingdom. Ye know not; they did not understand the nature of his kingdom, and what they must do and suffer to be first in it.

The cup--the baptism; the cup is that of suffering; Mt 26:39, etc. The baptism is his bloody death. The two together denote all the sufferings, inward and outward, through which our Lord's path to glory lay.

We are able; in this they knew not what they said. Ye shall drink; ye shall follow me in my sufferings.

Not mine to give; except to those for whom it is prepared. Ambition in the disciples of Christ, and thirst for worldly glory, liken them to men of the world, not to Jesus Christ, and are evidence that disappointments and sufferings await them. The ten; the other apostles were offended that some should seek to be placed above the rest. No be so; in the kingdom of Christ: none of his ministers were to exercise civil power or authority over the rest.

Great among you; to be truly great in his kingdom one must minister, as he has opportunity and ability, to the wants of others. Humility, and a disposition to serve others in the supply of their wants and the promotion of their highest good, are marks of true greatness in the kingdom of Christ, and especially among his ministers. Chief; first in true spiritual worth.

Your servant; most active in administering to the good of his fellow-disciples. No to be ministered unto; his great object was, not to be assisted by others, but to assist them, and give his life for their redemption.