The disciple demonstrate pride and ambition as they argue about who is the greatest. They demonstrate jealously as they put down those who can actually have success in exorcising demons. They show vengence against those who rejected them. Wow - and these were Jesus' closest followers. This should give us all hope that we too can overcome who we use to be!
Instead of pride and ambition the disciples simply need to look to Jesus. He didn't go to the finest schools and strive for the most glorious job or wealth. Even in this chapter when rock star fame is dripping off of him he seems to not even notice. Pride and ambition are destroyed in us as we humbly spend time alone with the father - receiving his commands and faithfully obeying. The commanders voice and his commands are our focus - not what we've done!
Jealously is destroyed in us when we come to celebrate the success of others. At times when I feel jealously rising in my heart at someone's success. I retreat to prayer and force myself to praise God for that other's person's success. This praise and celebration cleanses the heart.
The enemy is always trying to get us prideful and ambitious - then comes a rejection. The cycle in these verses is a favor play by satan. Scripture calls him a "schemer" in Ephesians 6 and Luke 4:13 said that the devil left Jesus to wait for an "opportune time." Think back to some of the worse times in life - you'll quickly remember the rejection and hurt you received - but look just before that. If you look close - there was probably a series of events where you let your pride go unchecked. You were set up!
I see this happen before people get married all the time. Pride and independence will start to set in and something will go really wrong with the bride or groom that causes a deep wound. This can be settled quickly if the one deeply wounded forgives but if they don't the enemy has successfully set things up for a very hard first few years of marriage.
Here the disciples are full of pride and ambition and in a short time the wound will come. Jesus won't turn out to be who they had hoped and his kingdom is much different than they expected. John 21 is a picture of Jesus not letting shame consume them for the time they rejected him. He restored them and as God loves to do - what was meant for evil - God used for good.
questions
1) Can you see how sin can erode faith in God? Can you give an example?
2) Have you ever looked back and seen clearly how you fell to the temptation that got you? If not take a moment to look at the schemes of the schemer. Simply things like the acronym HALT - you're more susceptible to sin when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired are helpful to examine patterns to avoid.
3) Can you see any areas of your life that you have pride about? I never thought of this until I got hit by the IRS but I had developed a lot of pride about never being in debt. Its silly but I was proud of that and looked down on others who struggled in this area. After the IRS deal I realized that God has protected by finances and taught me the discipline and principles that led to success. It was all about him.
prayer
Lord heal our hearts from past wounds. Teach us how to forgive. Lord forgive us for wanting to call down fire on those who reject us instead of loving with your heart. Expose our pride to us and let your spirit fill us.
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