IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Characteristics of Jesus' Kingdom

Date: Mar. 6, 2020

Passage

Luke 9:43b-56

43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God.

Jesus Again Foretells His Death

But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Who Is the Greatest?

46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us

49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”

A Samaritan Village Rejects Jesus

51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Luke 9:48b

48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

1. The least is the greatest (43b-48)

Jesus' popularity might have been at its peak but he was not swept up in the moment. He told the disciples that he would be delivered into the hands of men. The disciples did not understand. However, rather than seek clarity, they began to argue about who would be the greatest. Jesus had a little child stand beside him and explained that welcoming a little child in his name was like welcoming Jesus. Jesus did not care about human praise and honor. He came to serve and those who serve the least in his name would be the greatest.

2. When our pride gets in the way (49-56)

John tried to stop someone from driving out demons in Jesus' name. His pride must have been bruised, especially after the disciples had failed to drive out demons earlier. (9:39-40) Jesus told him that whoever was not against him was for him. Later Jesus wanted to enter a Samaritan village but was not welcomed. James and John were offended and asked about calling down fire from heaven. Jesus rebuked them for reacting in pride.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, thank you for welcoming me. Help me not to live by my pride but to serve others in your name.

One Word: Welcome a little one in Jesus' name

Daily Bread

The Lord Judges the Proud

Psalm 75:1-10

Key Verse: 75:2

“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.

Read More

Intro Daily