"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest." -Luke 22:24

Jesus invited Peter, James, and John to come with Him to a mountaintop to witness His transfiguration and a meeting with Moses and Elias. They also heard the voice of God proclaiming "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." How privileged they must have felt, the only three out of the twelve to witness this phenomenally glorious sight.

I think the honor to be included in this event caused them to later ask Jesus, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

To answer them, Jesus called a little child over, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1-4).

I feel confident in saying that these three disciples were looking for a confirmation, maybe in front of the rest of the disciples, that they were preselected to be the most honored ones, maybe even seeking which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew their thoughts and hearts and had to bring them back to earth and their mission here and now. I can't help but think of the words of the great Bible teacher, Dr. J. Vernon McGee: "Don't be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good."

Prayer: Father, I wish to confess that I have sought to be honored for my works. I just want to walk with you as a needy, dependent child seeking your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Devotion: Have you ever wished to be honored only to be humbled instead? How did that make you feel? What did you learn from that experience?

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Prayer:

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Reflection:

"And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."
-Luke 22:24