The principles of the world are often contradictory to the kingdom God. It is not only contradictory but destructive.
世俗的原则经常与天国的相冲。它不但相冲，还是毁坏性的。
- The How of greatness 何为大 (20:17-24)
The way to eternal glory is not through worldly success and honor but through suffering. Yet James and John still seek their own selfish interests despite Jesus’ prediction of the persecution and death He would face in Jerusalem. The “cup” that Jesus was about to drink was the cup of suffering and death. One must be willing and be enabled by the Holy Spirit to take up the full measure of His cup in order to be great in the kingdom.
获取永恒荣耀的途径并非靠世俗的成功和荣耀而得，乃藉着受苦。虽然耶稣刚预言自己将在耶路撒冷面对的逼迫与死亡，雅各与约翰仍在寻求自己自私的利益。耶稣将要喝的“杯”就是苦难与死亡之杯。人必须情愿，并靠着圣灵，才能喝下主耶稣的杯，在天国里被尊为大。
- How not to be great 如何不大 (20:25)
These are the two ways the world seek to be great – through personal power and fame. “To lord it over” is a strong term carrying the idea of ruling down on people while the expression “great men” carries the idea of eminence and nobility of those who have achieved high stature in the eyes of the world.
世界寻求居首的方式有二：藉着个人的名和利。“治理”带强烈的含义，包括压制百姓；“大臣”则指世人眼里德高望重的人。
- How to be great 如何为大 (20:26-28)
In God’s eyes, the one who is great is the one who is willing to humble himself and serve others. The cost of true greatness is servant-hood, selflessness, sacrificial service. Jesus is the supreme example of humility. Although He was the King of kings and had the right to be served by others, He ministered as a Servant of servants and gave His life to serve others. This is the path to greatness in Heaven.
在神眼里，愿意谦卑、服侍他人的才算为大。真正称大的代价是作仆人，舍己侍奉。耶稣是虚心的最佳例子。虽是万王之王，配得他人服侍，祂却看自己为仆人中最小的，并舍命服侍人。这就是在天国为大的道路。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- How do you perceive greatness in your life? How great are you? Do you measure through career progression, academic achievements or material gains? Are you great in God’s eyes? Please examine yourself and pray.
你对“伟大”的定义是什么？你有多大呢？你是否以事业发展、学业成绩或物质收获做衡量？你在神眼里为大吗？请审察自己并祷告。
- In today’s churches, there are leaders who seek to control others through their authoritative power or their personal influence through persuasive words. What is your leadership style? Are you displaying greatness through a humble, selfless and sacrificial service?
在今日教会中，有些领导试着以自己的权威，或用个人的影响力，藉着说服性的言语控制人。你的领导风格是什么？你所展现的大是否是虚心、无私和舍己的侍奉？
- “Whoever says he abides in Him (Jesus) ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus gave us the supreme example of a servant leader and called us to follow in His step. Let’s pray that God will help us to be humble, selfless and self-giving just as Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.
“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行”（约一2:6）。耶稣给予我们何为事奉领导的最佳典范，并召我们跟随祂的脚步行。让我们求神帮助我们做谦卑、无私、舍己的人，正如人子来不是要受人的服侍，乃是要服侍人。
