Heavenly greatness.
As they journeyed to Capernaum the disciples of Jesus, like their countrymen, ever disposed to regard the kingdom of Messiah as secular, reasoned and disputed together as to which of them should be the greater in that kingdom. The knowledge of this contention probably influenced the conduct of Jesus in the matter of the tribute, in which he astonished them with an exemplification of supreme greatness in submission (see Matthew 17:22-27). A similar lesson is embodied in the discourse now before us. Note—
I. THE DISCIPLES KNEW THAT THERE ARE GRADES OF HEAVENLY GREATNESS.
1. This was assumed in their reasoning.
2. The fact was not disputed by the Lord.
3. On the contrary, he recognized it.
II. THEY HAD TO LEARN THAT THE HIGHER GRADES OF GREATNESS ARE REWARDS OF CHILDLIKENESS.
1. They were influenced by secular ideas, in which goodness has little to do with greatness.
2. Jesus humbled them before the greatness of a little child.
3. He preached an impressive sermon from his text.
(a) Not foolish, nor fickle, nor sportive, but
(b) innocent, humble, and docile.