Luke 9:46-48 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.… Apparently this was the first occasion on which the spirit of rivalry manifested itself among the disciples of our Lord. Followed close upon a scene which might well raise their hopes of personal distinction. Three of their number had just been witnesses of the Transfiguration; they had seen their Divine Master in that dazzling vesture of glory which betokened His coming accession. And it is conceivable that the special favour conferred upon the three who were admitted to that wonderful vision set all thinking. Then, too, it has been suggested that our Lord's own promises to His disciples may have served to stir ambitious longings in their hearts. 1. Our Lord rebuked the first exhibition of the competitive spirit among His followers by taking a child and pointing to him as the true pattern of the essential grace of the gospel. The greatest is the humblest. 2. This ideal appeals to the best instincts of the human heart. (Canon Duckworth.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.WEB: There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest. |
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