Bible TimeDisciples Dispute Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom
Mark provides a series of parables in chronological order matched to the overall story of the Bible. This one is about Abraham.
The Story
42 Mark 9:33-37
33And they came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way?
34But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest.
35And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.
36And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,
37Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Background
Mark’s narrative now turns to the question of who is the greatest. The question is an interesting one because it challenges scripture knowledge.
Of course the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is Jesus himself. His is the servant of all, having died on a cross. He is also Lord of lords and will return soon as a conquering king. He refers to himself as the least in the kingdom in heaven, especially in reference to John the Baptist. (cite)
Beyond Jesus, of course, who is greatest?
There were many great men in the Bible, Moses, David, Noah are some. But across the field of possible answers, one man stands out as the most important.
That man was Abram, later Abraham.
Doctrine of Adoption
When we decide to follow Jesus we are adopted into Abraham’s family. We become joint heirs with the rest of Abraham’s faith family. The New Covenant, under the blood of Jesus, is what Abraham looked forward to. He is the father of all who believe... in Jesus.1
When the disciples are walking along the road disputing who is the greatest, they are pointing at the next story along the main Bible chronology, the story of Abraham. Abraham is the answer to their debate. Abraham is the greatest in the kingdom of God.
Abraham is also first chronologically. From Abraham forward there is always a faith community in history.
Jesus makes a reference of the reversed order of things which appears to be a reference to a reversed order of the resurrection. (This is a hunch, cannot clearly cite other references to support.) This is also a direct reference to what greatness really is.
1Galatians 3:29
