Memorial Bible reading:

(Daytime events:Nisan 11)
Luke 20:1-47



Monday, March 25

Jesus . . . loved them to the end. —John 13:1.

Jesus trained his disciples by providing personal counsel tailored to their needs.

For example, he rebuked James and John for wanting to call down fire from heaven on some Samaritans who
had not received him. (Luke 9:52-55) When the mother of James and John approached Jesus on
their behalf to ask that they be granted favored positions in the Kingdom, Jesus addressed the
brothers directly, saying: “This sitting down at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give, but
it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.â€￾(Matt. 20:20-23)

At all times, Jesus gave counsel that was clear,practical, and solidly based on godly principles. He taught his
disciples to reason on such principles.(Matt. 17:24-27) Jesus also recognized the limitations of his
followers and did not expect perfection from them. His counsel was motivated by genuine love.


w11 11/15 5:12
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I appreciate how Jesus was patient with the disciples and never delivered the counsel in a harsh manner. An issue that the disciples continually raised was that of "who is the greatest amongst us?" (I suppose that came from the Jewish religious system of that time with its emphasis on prominence and position).

On one occasion (recorded at Matthew 18:1-6), Jesus called a young child over and asked the child to stand with the group. He explained that the disciples needed to cultivate humility, in the same manner as the young child, to qualify to enter into the Kingdom.

It was a tactful way of teaching a lesson to the disciples.

Wallflower