Jesus Teaches About True Greatness. AG Adult Sunday School Manual.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:_

1. Consider the vanity of the world’s view of greatness.

2. Recognise the benefits of practising humility and peace.

3. Choose to follow Christ’s model of servanthood.

Question for Application

_What can be done to ensure that believers practise humility and servanthood?_

We must reject self-promoting
actions and attitudes and put the welfare of others first. We must embrace Jesus’ teaching that it’s
about giving, not getting.
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B. Avoid an “Us Versus
Them” Mentality
*Mark 9:38-40*

It seems as though John
interrupted Jesus to report that the disciples had seen a man driving out demons in Jesus’ name. They “forbade him,” because he was not
one of the Twelve (Mark 9:38, KJV).
_______________
*Question for Application*
_______________
_Why do Christians sometimes fall prey to sectarian pride?_

God often blesses Christians in a way suited to their own needs, personality, and background. Forgetting that God loves variety, they take their own experience and
make it a pattern for others. They make their own ways of doing things authoritative. They then feel that their authority has been spurned and their religion insulted when Someone serves the Lord and exalts the name of Jesus without joining with them in all particulars. They forget that the kingdom of God is bigger than any one church or denomination.

Jesus used John’s s confession to teach about the unity He desires in
the kingdom of God. The man had used Jesus’ name to bring deliverance, and God had honoured
the man’s prayer with a miracle (verses 39,40). It would be hard for
someone who ministered in Christ’s name to speak against Him. Jesus’ view of who could participate in the mission of the Kingdom was bigger than that of the Twelve.

The desire to be part of an elite, Superior group was not what Jesus was trying to shape in the lives of His disciples. Arrogance has no place in God’s kingdom. Those who follow Christ must work together in the name of Christ for His greater glory.
An “us versus them” mentality within the body of Christ hinders the advance of God’s kingdom.
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3, KJV) strengthens the Church and can result in the world’s observing the love of God in people (John 17:23).
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*2. Commit to Humility and Peace*
A. Reward and Judgement
*Mark 9:41,42*
Jesus continued to teach the
disciples, stating that if a person gave just a cup of water-a small gesture in His name to one of His followers, that person would be rewarded (Mark 9:41). There is an intimate connection between Jesus and His disciples, so much so that what is done for them is the same as doing it for Him (see verse 37).

And just as there is a reward for those who do good to one of His disciples, so there is punishment to those who harm one of them (verse 42). The phrase “little ones that believe in me” (KJV) is best understood to refer to followers of Jesus, not just children. For any who would cause a person who believes in Jesus to sin, it would be better for that person to be thrown in the sea with the heavy millstone used for crushing grain around his or her neck.

Jesus was commending
humility to His disciples. They were not to look down on the smallest act
of kindness nor hinder others who act in His name, that is, by His authority.
_______________
B. Purifícation and Peace
*Mark 9:43-50*
At this point in His teaching,
Jesus moved from the danger of causing others to sin to the danger of allowing oneself to fall into sin. In Mark 9:43-48, He mentioned three parts of the body that lead us into sin: the hand, the foot, and the eye.

The hands can be thought of as the wrong things that ambitions drive us to do. The foot could be understood as the wrong things that pride will lead you to do. And the eye could be regarded as covetousness, our desire for things in this world.

Jesus stated that each of these things that lead to sin have a single solution: remove the member that causes you to sin. This seems like a very drastic measure, but Jesus told His hearers that it would be better to be maimed by cutting off a hand or a foot, or to remove an eye than “to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched” (verses 43,45, KJV).
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*Questions for Application*
_______________
_Was Jesus stating that we should literally maim ourselves in order to avoid sinning?_

Absolutely not! Jesus was using hyperbole -the use of exaggerated examples–to draw attention to the very serious issue of sin. Sin is destructive and a life of sin leads to eternal death and hell. Jesus used this radical language to stress the importance of doing whatever is necessary to enter into life-particularly eternal life.

Our attitude toward sin must not be casual. As we seek to know and please God, He will enable us to overcome sin.

Jesus spoke of there being
times in all our lives when there would come a testing, a salting with fire for purification (verse 49). Just as we must take steps to cut out sin from our lives so we can be totally devoted to God, the fire of trials and persecution can cause us to rid ourselves of any desires other than living in total surrender to God’s will.

Jesus’ desire is for His followers to be like good salt (verse 50). Salt was used in ancient times much as it is today to flavour and to preserve food. If the salt lost its saltiness it would become useless, no longer good for purification or flavouring. In the same way, if we lose our self-sacrificing devotion to Christ, we become useless to Him.

We are to be influenced by the Holy Spirit to preserve peace with one another through His divine
grace.
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*Questions for Application*
_How can believers have peace one with another (Mark 9:50, KJV)?_

Humility and the desire for
peace are essential for healthy relationships. As we humble ourselves before God and others, the Spirit brings about a sense of unity that cannot exist when selfish pride is present. Those who desire peace are willing to work through disagreements in order to secure better relationship. They are willing to forgive, and forgiveness is vital for peace and unity.
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*3. Achieve Greatness Through Service*
A. Self-Seeking Request
*Mark 10:35-40*

Later on during the ministry of Jesus, He and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem (Mark
10:32-34). At this time, Jesus again told the disciples that He would be
killed, but then raised to life. From the incident that follows Jesus’ declaration, it is obvious that the apostles did not understand what Jesus had said.

James and John asked Jesus if one of them could sit on His right side and one on the left when He become the ruler in His glory (verses
35-37). These were places of authority they desired in their self-seeking request.

Jesus questioned their desire, asking if they could drink the cup He would have to drink and be baptised
in the same way as He. Jesus’ path to glory war through ultimate
servanthood. He would achieve greatness throgh humil:ation, suffering, and willing solf-sacrifice.
Did James and John want to
accompany Him through this (verse 38)? In their hearts they believed they could, for most likely James
and John still believed the Messiah would rise up in God’s power and overthrow Israel’s oppressors
(verse 39).

Jesus knew that His cup held horrible suffering, something they could not yet grasp, but that they
would suffer for Him as well (verse 39). Yet Jesus told them that only the Father could grant the positions of
authority they requested (verse 40).

Question for Application

How can we determine if our requests and desires are self-seeking?_

B. Selfless Service Required

Mark 10:41-45

The other disciples heard about the request of James and John and became upset with them (Mark 10:41). Using this uncomfortable
time as a teachable moment, Jesus gathered His disciples together to share with them about leadership and greatness from God’s point of view (verse 42). The disciples were aware of how Gentile rulers lorded it over their subjects. Too often rulers
misuse authority to advance themselves, not benefit those under their authority.

Jesus strongly opposed this
type of leadership as inappropriate in His kingdom. Rather, those who
wish to be great are those who serve and who humbly fulfil their calling.

Those wanting to be first and primary in leadership must submit themselves to be slaves (verses 43,44). Greatness involves service
to others. Serving others can break down barriers caused by wealth and position.

Being a servant is so contrary to our society as to be considered nearly absurd, but this is God’s world and sin has turned it upside down for a time. Jesus is our example of true
greatness, for He came from heaven’s glory as a servant, to serve humanity by giving His life as a ransom for us all (verse 45). A ransom is the payment to free another from prison or slavery.
Jesus Was our ransom to free us from slavery to sin.
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*Question for Application*
_How can we live out the servant leadership style of Jesus in a world so contrary to His views?_

We can do this only by
practising the qualities of
servanthood Jesus displayed: humility, meekness, obedience,
self-denial, selflessness, and service. We must not focus on what we may lose, but on how we may benefit others. By acting out of genuine love to meet genuine needs
of any neighbour we can live out the servant-leadership model of Jesus.

Achieving greatness in God’s kingdom is summarized in the word
“servant.” Will we trust God to exalt us if we will humble ourselves? Will we follow the example of our Master
and Savior who “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many” (verse 45, KJV).
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*Call to Discipleship*
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Take time this week to think about what you consider to be of value in Vour life. Who have you esteemed as great over this past year? What have you valued most in yourself? Can these things you have valued compare to Christ’s view of greatness?

Determine to become, through humility and service, the one God will honour. Make a list of characteristics a person like that might have; then make the effort to become that kind of servant. What might you need to change at home or in the office? How can you make those changes?

It is not easy to live a life of humility in a world so opposed to God’s way,
but the Spirit of God will be your strength and reward.

Study 1 READY FOR TOUGH TIMES

TEXT: 41 Thess 2:2,14-16; 3:1-7; 2 Thess 1:3-5; 3:1-2

Key Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. (NIV)

Focus: while many adult Christians have experienced resistance to their faith, the immaturity of youth tends to intensify the cruelty that many Christian teens can experience. As you prepare for this study, try to remember (or imagine) what it’s like to be a Christian teen in a hostile environment. If you weren’t a Christian as a teen, consider how you felt toward Christians, and what you thought you understood about them.

It’s quite possible that at some point your students have already wondered if it’s worth being different when they could be accepted by simply coming to a compromise of their beliefs. This temptation will become more prevalent as resistance to Christianity intensifies in the days ahead. While it’s difficult to understand or explain all the reasons for Christian suffering, history proves that believers’ attitudes and actions in the face of persecution caused many others to believe. Encourage your students to remember that their reaction to trouble might help others accept God’s truth for their lives. Be prepared to address the reality that many who compromise their faith seem to prosper. Although there are temporary benefits to compromise, the eventual outcome can be eternally devastating.

>>The Basic Message
•WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life and, if handled right, can help us develop spiritual strength.
• WHY DOES IT MATTER?
If we don’t handle persecution correctly, t could leave us bitter and spiritually defeated.
• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Recognize suffering as an opportunity to grow, draw encouragement from Jesus’ example through suffering, and pray for those who suffer for their faith.

>>Illustration Option: SUFFERING FOR JESUS
Relate the story of John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, who was imprisoned twelve years for preaching the gospel. He had a wife and children, one of whom was blind. At any time during his stay in prison, he could have gone free if he promised not to preach the gospel. But John Bunyan believed that his faithfulness to God was more important than anything in this life, and to compromise it would deny all he held true, including his life and family. Over those twelve long years, Bunyan’s family lived in poverty beyond description, and Bunyan was haunted by the consequences of his decision to remain faithful to God. Yet, during his imprisonment, he wrote works that have since been read by millions — enriching their lives at the expense of his own. Discuss with students the following questions:
• What do you think causes a person to make the kind of decision Bunyan made?
• What is the toughest thing that you have gone through as a result of your Christian faith?
• Why do you think God allows people who love Him and faithfully serve Him to suffer? >>Guide: Explain that most Christians will face times of sufferings for their faith, it is important to understand why this happens and how we can be victorious through suffering, realizing that the results of suffering can be beneficial.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers:
• The reason Christians experience trouble.
• The proper attitude Christians should have in times of trouble.
• How persecution can have positive results in the lives of believers and others who are influenced by Christian suffering.

>>Inform and Discuss
a). The Reason for Trouble >>Guide: Read or have volunteers read 1 Thess 3:1-7. Explain that suffering should not surprise us as Christians. It is part of our calling as we live in a world that opposes us by nature.

1. Why do you think there is such opposition to the principles of Scripture by those in the world? [Hint: God’s principles contradict people’s lifestyles and choice. People don’t like to feel restrained in this way. While the gospel demands that we deny ourselves and love others as we love ourselves, the world’s standards tend to regard self-satisfaction and personal fulfilment as top priorities. Thus, the principles of the gospel! Put a roadblock in the path of finding satisfaction according to the world’s standards. As such, there’s bound to be tense conflict.) .

2. What role do you think unseen spiritual forces play in the suffering Christians experience?
Hint: Although other people’s attitudes, words, and actions might inflict suffering in the lives of Christians, Paul recognized that persecution against Christians is spiritual and an attack of Satan.

3. What does the fact that the apostle Paul suffered tell us when we suffer for Christ now?

>>Hint: it doesn’t matter how spiritual we become, we are not exempt from spiritual attacks.

b). Our Attitude During Trouble

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read 1 Thess 2:14-16. How can this passage encourage us when we face persecution? [Hint: We would not be facing persecution if we weren’t making a spiritual impact in our world. Besides, we are not the first to be persecuted for our faith. Jesus suffered persecution, and those who present the salvation messages will meet with persecution.]

2. Read or ask a volunteer to read 2 Thess 1:3-5. Why do you think our faith can grow as a result of persecution? [Hint: One of the reasons for which Satan orchestrates persecution is to bring us to a point where our conviction is compromised and rubbished. His ultimate aim is to hinder God’s work. But when we stay faithful to God in the face of persecution, we show that our faith is genuine. And as we respond to persecution by drawing closer to Jesus, we’re strengthened, and our faith increases as we see Jesus come through for us in such difficult times.

3. Paul commended the Thessalonians for “enduring” persecutions and trials (2 Thess 1:4). What attitude do you feel is represented by the word “enduring”? How does this reflect the way you face persecution in your life? (Guide: Explain that the English word “endure” comes from a Greek word that is proactive rather than defensive. In essence, it refers to pushing against or pressing on rather than retreating or just holding on. So, while the term forces us to acknowledge that something is coming against us, we choose to stand firm and move forward despite the pressure. It is a call to action.]

>>Note: We do not have to enjoy persecution, but it glorifies God when we defy the world’s standards, and face opposition to our faith with a correct attitude. If we will view our persecution as an extension of the persecution Jesus faced, and realize that we are making a spiritual difference in the lives of people, we would be able to put up with the difficulties it causes in our lives.

c). The Result of Trouble

1. Read or ask a volunteer to read 1 Thess 2:2. Why do you think people become bolder in sharing their faith after they have faced persecution for their faith? [Hint: When faith costs something, its value increases, and it’s embraced more firmly. That’s why individuals who successfully faced persecution for their faith will develop the boldness to share the gospel with others.]

2. Do you think that John Bunyan (from the opening illustration option) would have been as successful for the cause of Christ if he had not been imprisoned for his faith? Why? [Hint: We really don’t know the answer to this, but much of what we read of him was written while in prison. The passion that kept him in prison likely made its way Into the words he wrote.]

3. Read or ask a volunteer to read 2 Thess 3:1-2. In what ways do you identify with other Christians who suffer for their faith, and how do you respond to their situation? (Guide: Answers will vary. Perhaps fellow students at school have been made fun of, and your students have either prayed for them or stood by them. Explain that Paul could call on the Thessalonian brethren to pray for him and his team because they had faced persecution. As such, they could pray for others who are facing persecution, knowing what the power of prayer could do at such a difficult time.)

>>Involve Them: TROUBLING TIMES

Have students respond to the following questions in the light of what they have learned in this study: i. You are a missionary in a foreign country and the people there do not want to hear your message. ii. You are in school and confronted by a popular student concerning your opposition to immoral living. iii. You are with other Christian friends when someone comes up, spits on you, and calls you a “super-Christian.” iv. You see a fellow Christian from another church being mocked for his or her faith. v. You hear of people being persecuted or killed for their faith in another part of the world.

Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg 73), even as you explain WHAT the Big idea behind the study is; WHY it Matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.

Guide: Explain that Christians have always been persecuted for their faith. Unbelievers are often offended by the way we live and what we proclaim because it causes conviction in their lives. The persecution we face actually confirms that we are living in right relationship with God.

Conclude the study by challenging students to live faithfully for God regardless of the cost. Remind them that serving God is always worth it in the scope of eternity; and that although persecution is painful, it is only temporary. Then pray for them, and encourage them to equally pray for one another throughout the week.

>>Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Do students realize that being persecuted for their belief is a normal consequence of being a true Christian?

2. Are they prepared to look at the potentials available through persecution, rather than focusing on the pains?

3. Have they embraced the importance of offering support to others who face persecution for their faith?

Action Point

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