Enigmas in Jesus' Teachings

Enigmas in Jesus’ Teachings by Martha D. Peterson
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Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), which can explain why his teachings are so alien and seemingly impossible for those of us operating on ‘this world’ principles, where we believe what we see, and see what we believe...all input drawn from the five physical senses. In other words, the “natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Corinthians 2:14).

1. He who would be great must be servant of all . Matthew 23:11-12

There are many references to humbleness vs. pride in the Bible. There’s the story of the ambitious wedding guest who sat himself down in the highest room and had to be kicked down to the lowest room. Embarrassing! See Luke 14:7-15 for the full story.
Other examples...Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican...Luke 18:9-14.
Be as little children...Matt:18:1-4 Matt:19:30 Matt 20:16 Mary’s Magnificat...Luke1:52 James 4: 6 b 1 Peter 5:5-6
Mark 10:31 See,I want you to open up your Bible and find these great spiritual principles!
The greatest lesson in humility and servanthood...Jesus washing the disciples feet
John 13:1-17. Jesus admitted in his humanhood that he could do nothing of himself, but gave all glory to the Father within. The great lesson to be learned here is that the quality of meekness and humbleness of itself is only the first step to spiritual power. Note Gandhi’s greatness in his meekness. He wasn’t counting on himself, but whatever Power he trusted and believed in.

By humbling ourselves, it means to ‘die to self’, the little ego that wants and needs and covets as it doesn’t know that the Father within us “knows our needs and it is His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.”
This will be the following lesson....very hard to carry out, but so rewarding when you put your foot on the Path. If curious, peek ahead at Matt. 6:25-34.