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I. The narrative we are considering discloses what effect SELF-SEEKING HAD on the disciples.

1. It blinded their eyes to the glory of the Son of God. They saw, indeed, His mighty works, and longed to be able to do such works themselves; but the hidden life of righteousness and peace and love they did not see and were not yet capable of seeing. Darkness cannot comprehend the light. Men seeking conspicuous places cannot understand the mind which was in Christ Jesus, who made Himself of no reputation, humbled Himself, and became obedient even to the death of the cross.

2. The self-seeking spirit plunged the disciples into a quarrel on the eve of a great occasion.

3. The self-seeking spirit put the disciples into a false attitude of presumption, undertaking more than they were able to do. "Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask."

4. The spirit of self-seeking confused their notions of dominion. They had adopted the maxims of the Gentiles, and were in danger of believing that a man was great simply because he exercised authority.

II. SELF-SACRIFICE.

1. The courage of self-sacrifice. It shrinks back from no danger, fears no hardship, and is superior to all suffering. He took the twelve disciples apart and said unto them: "We go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man shall be betrayed, condemned, and crucified." Knowing all things that should be accomplished, He went forward; He went forward that they might be accomplished.

2. The universality of self-sacrifice. Because this is the way of the Son of Man, therefore it must become the way of every man. Each man is to take up his cross. Each man is to become like the man.

3. The reward of self-sacrifice. Spiritual promotion comes according to just and immutable law.

4. The kingdom of self-sacrifice. They would reverse the maxims of the Gentiles, and reckon the servant greater than the Master.(Edward. B. Mason.)

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KJV: And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

WEB: There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.