Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage begins with the thirty-seventh verse of the sixth chapter and continues through to the seventeenth verse of the seventh chapter. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:37-38). “And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:39-45). “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and dogged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 6:46-49). “Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum, and a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick” (Luke 7:1-10). “And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say not thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about” (Luke 7:11-17). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the continuation of Luke’s account and rendition of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Luke would not present unto his readers nor his audience the full length and measure of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as did the apostle Matthew for Luke would not devote three full chapters to that particular message. It is when you read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew you will find this apostle of Christ devoting three entire chapters to the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken in the Sermon on the Mount—those words which He would speak unto them concerning their need to pursue the righteousness of the kingdom while shunning and neglecting the “righteousness” of the Pharisees. This Sermon on the Mount would indeed be something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the gospel for they call and invite us into the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven which was present in the midst of the earth. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that the Lord Jesus would indeed come unto the earth that he might bring forth the manifestation of the kingdom of God within and upon the earth. Oh this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven in the midst of the earth for there on the mountainside the Lord Jesus would deliver a powerful sermon intended on calling and inviting those who were present on this particular day to participate in the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven within the earth. The Lord Jesus would indeed take this time to deliver a striking and powerful sermon intended on presenting His audience and hearers with the incredible truth surrounding the kingdom of heaven and how He would set up and establish this kingdom in the midst of the empire that was Rome during those days. As you come to the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find beginning with the seventeenth verse how Jesus would stand in the plain together with the company of the disciples and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem as well as from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of theirs diseases. Moreover those who were vexed with unclean spirits would come unto Jesus to find deliverance, freedom, peace and rest from their torment and their oppression. In addition to this who would find that the whole multitude sought to touch him for there went out virtue out of him which would heal all those who were present on this particular occasion. Here on this particular day in the midst of the plain there would be a great multitude of men and women who would come from the regions round about that they might hear and listen to the words which the Lord Jesus would teach and speak unto them. What’s more is that not only did they come to hear the word(s) which the Lord Jesus would teach and speak but they would also come to be healed of their diseases by Him. There would undoubtedly have been countless men and women who came unto the Lord Jesus that they might indeed experience physical healing within their bodies of whatever sickness, disease and infirmity had plagued and was plaguing them. There in the midst of the plain there would indeed be those who would come to hear the word which the Lord Jesus would speak, however, there was also a desire to receive something of and something from the Lord Jesus. Luke makes it very clear that virtue went out from the Lord Jesus and that the whole multitude sought to touch Him for they perceived that if they but touched Him they would be made whole of whatever sickness, disease and infirmity was plaguing their physical body. I sit here today thinking about the words found in this passage of Scripture and how Jesus would indeed heal those who had gathered themselves and come unto Him there in the midst of the plain. Those who were vexed by unclean spirits would indeed experience deliverance and freedom from the unclean spirits and demons that would torment, afflict and oppress them. Moreover sickness, disease and illness would be healed by the word of the Lord Jesus—and not only by the word of the Lord Jesus but also simply by touching His physical person. Perhaps what we find and read in this passage of Scripture is what would cause the woman which had the issue of blood for twelve years to come unto the Lord Jesus and press her way through the crowd thinking and believing within herself that if she but touched the hem of His garment she would be made whole of whatever plague was present within her physical body. Here on this particular occasion we find the Lord Jesus healing all those who gathered themselves unto Him of whatever sickness, disease and infirmity plagued their physical bodies as well as casting and driving out all unclean spirits which vexed, tormented and oppressed those who had come unto Him. Undoubtedly there was a great work of healing and deliverance which would take place there in the midst of the plain and yet even in spite of this tremendous work which would take place there in the midst of the plain it would ultimately lead to the delivering of a powerful message concerning the kingdom of heaven. After healing all their diseases and infirmities and delivering men and women of whatever unclean spirit vexed, tormented and oppressed them Jesus would ultimately lift up his eyes upon the disciples and would begin speaking directly unto them. Oh if there is one thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that eventually and ultimately there would come a point when the Lord Jesus would transition from healing and deliverance to actually teaching concerning the kingdom of heaven in the midst of the earth. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s that first would seem to come the ministry of healing and deliverance from diseases and unclean spirits and then would come the teaching concerning the kingdom of heaven. What we find in this passage of Scripture is incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to consider it for there is something truly powerful about the words the Lord Jesus would speak unto the disciples which were present on this particular occasion. It would be on this particular occasion the Lord Jesus would look upon and view those who gathered themselves unto Him and would do so with tremendous and immense compassion within His heart and soul. It would be in direct response to this compassion Jesus would not and could not merely heal them of their diseases and deliver them of the unclean spirits which vexed, tormented and oppressed them and not also begin speaking directly unto their hearts and souls. That which we find in this passage of Scripture is incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it for within it we are brought face to face with the incredible reality of Jesus transitioning Himself from healing sicknesses, illnesses and diseases and casting and driving out unclean spirits to speaking directly to the hearts and souls of those who were present in the midst of the plain. Having just engaged Himself in a wonderful and powerful ministry of healing and deliverance the Lord Jesus would now commit Himself to speaking directly unto their heart and soul for they were such who desperately needed to be aware of the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven in the midst of the earth. There in the midst of the plain the Lord Jesus would indeed speak unto those who were present—those who were His disciples—and would deliver unto them a powerful message on the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven in the midst of the earth. Beginning with the twentieth verse of this particular chapter we find the Lord Jesus speak of the poor as being blessed for theirs was the kingdom of God, speaking unto those which hungered for they would be filled, speaking unto those that wept for they would laugh and speaking unto those who were hated be men and were separated from their company, reproached and cast out their name as evil. It would be here on this particular occasion the Lord Jesus would indeed call and draw the attention of His disciples to the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven which was present in the midst of the earth for it would be something that would strike at the very heart of everything He taught during those days. Jesus would speak of the kingdom of God in direct relation unto the poor and would even speak unto those who would be hated, those who would be separated from the company of others, those who would be reproached and those whose name would be cast out as evil for the Son of man’s sake. Having just healed them of their diseases, their infirmities and their sicknesses the Lord Jesus would now begin speaking unto them concerning the cost and price of discipleship in the midst of the kingdom of heaven. Here on this particular occasion the Lord Jesus would indeed speak unto the disciples concerning the kingdom of God and its manifestation within their lives. Here on this particular occasion the Lord Jesus would begin teaching His disciples concerning the manifestation of the kingdom of God and what it would indeed look like in the earth—and not only in the earth but also within their own hearts and souls. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of that which is found here in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with the incredible manifestation of the kingdom of heaven within the earth and Jesus’ teaching of the disciples concerning the kingdom of God which was present in the midst of the earth—and not only within the earth but also within their own hearts and lives. Within this passage of Scripture the Lord Jesus would begin speaking concerning those who were poor and their seeing the kingdom of God, those who hungered for they would be filled and those who wept for they would laugh. Immediately following this the Lord Jesus would seem to transition to a powerful narrative which I am sure would strike some of those who were present on this particular day. The Lord Jesus would begin speaking unto them concerning their being blessed when men would hate them, when they would be separated from the company of others, when they would be reproached and would have their name being cast as evil for the sake of the Son of man. Not only this but the Lord Jesus would command and instruct them to rejoice in that day and leap for joy for behold their reward would be great in heaven for in the like manner did their fathers do unto the prophets. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the manifestation of the kingdom of God and how the kingdom of God would indeed completely and radically transform every area of our lives. The manifestation of the kingdom of heaven within our lives would indeed mean that there might be times when we would indeed be hated, when we would be separated from the company of others, when we would be reproached and when our names would be cast out as evil. The Lord Jesus prepared His disciples to love their neighbors as themselves and to love their enemies and yet He would do so while at the same time preparing them to be hated of all men and all nation’s for the sake of His name. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous and wonderful truth surrounding the cost of discipleship and that even while we are fulfilling the royal law and loving our neighbors as ourselves and loving our enemies we can and will be hated of all men and nations for the sake of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh if there is one thing we must needs understand it’s that the Lord Jesus never promised us that we would be loved in return, that we would be received or that we would be welcomed. Jesus did indeed send us out as those who would love our neighbors as ourselves and even loving our enemies and yet He never promised that we would indeed be welcomed, received and embraced by others. Instead the Lord Jesus promised that we would be hated, that we would be persecuted, that we would be reviled, that we would be reproached and that we would be despised of others even as He Himself was. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that Jesus would transition from speaking of those who were blessed to pronouncing woes upon others. Having pronounced blessing upon the poor, upon the hungry, upon those who wept, and upon those who were reproached, were hated and separated from the company of others He would now speak directly unto another group of people. Here in this passage of Scripture we find the Lord Jesus pronouncing and speaking woe unto those who were rich for they had received their reward. What’s more is that Jesus would also speak unto those who were full and would pronounce woe unto and upon them for they would hunger. Not only this but Jesus would also pronounce woe unto those which laughed for they would mourn and weep. This would also be followed by the Lord Jesus pronouncing woe unto those whom men would speak well of for their fathers also spoke well of the false prophets. Essentially there would be a contrast between the rich and the poor, between those which hungred and those that were full, between those who wept not and those who laughed, and between those who were hated, reproached and despised and those whom men spoke well of. Oh you cannot read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and not encounter and come face to face with the tremendous contrast which existed between these two groups of people mentioned in this Sermon on the Mount delivered by the Lord Jesus. Here in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus would compare and contrast two distinct groups of people and would emphatically declare that there would be one group of people who would experience and enter into the kingdom of heaven and there would be others who would find themselves outside the kingdom of heaven without access or entrance. There is within his passage of Scripture a powerful contrast between these two groups of people and I can’t help but be reminded of the contrast which exists in the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew as well as the sixth chapter of the same New Testament gospel. What’s more is I can’t help but be reminded of the contrast which existed between those which would be first and those who would be last as well as those who would be the least and those who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Having said all of this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the incredible and tremendous truth surrounding this contrast which exists in the earth between those who were indeed citizens of the kingdom of heaven which desired a better country and whose citizenship was not of the earth but was found in heaven. There is a powerful contrast between those who were seated with Christ in heavenly places and those who were indeed citizens of the earth and received their consolation and their reward here in this earth. Oh I am absolutely convinced we must needs pay close attention to these words and passages for they bring us face to face with the strong and powerful contrast which exists between the citizens of the kingdom of heaven in the earth and those who are citizens of the earth and who find their hope, their joy and their reward here within and upon the earth. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in these various passages beginning with the words which the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews wrote in the eleventh chapter: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:13-16). “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an eon sample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:17-21). “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness” (Matthew 6:19-23). “No many can served two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the others. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than Roman eat? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeders them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do thy spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we dink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek. Ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:24-34). “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of Disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace. Ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:1-10). “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient Childrens, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto us feigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:13-23). “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:9-12). It is absolutely necessary to pay attention to the words which are found within these passages as they present us with the incredible truth that we are not and have not been called to be citizens of this earth and of the system of the world. The more you read the words presented in these passages of Scripture the more you can and will be brought face to face with the knowledge of how we have indeed been called to have our conversation and citizenship in heaven rather than on the earth. The apostle Peter firmly believed and professed unto his readers and audience that we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth and that we are to pass our time as sojourners with fear and holy trembling as we strive to be holy. There is something truly remarkable about the words and language presented in these passages of Scripture for within them we are indeed confronted with the reality that we as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ are such who have been called to an entirely different culture and society—one that is not of this earth and earthy but rather one that is of heaven and heavenly. This is precisely what the Lord Jesus Christ sought to convey when teaching and speaking of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ words concerning the kingdom of heaven were intended to provide His disciples with more than just a glimpse into the eternal nature and reality of that which was unseen in the supernatural and spiritual realm and was in fact a wonderful invitation to manifest the principles, the truth and the righteousness of the kingdom within and upon the earth. In all reality we might very well say there were those during the days of Jesus—even those during the days of the apostle and early Church—who although they were citizens of a specific country were indeed and were in fact called to a different type of citizenship. Jesus’ words concerning the kingdom of heaven were indeed intended on calling and inviting His disciples and those who heard and listened to His words into a place where they would live their lives entirely and altogether different from the way others lived during those days. If you read the words which are presented in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel written by Luke you will find a powerful contrast between those who were indeed citizens of this world and those who considered themselves to be citizens of heaven. There is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading these words and that we as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have indeed and have in fact been called to an entirely different citizenship—one that is not of the earth and earthy. Over the past couple of years there has been a lot of talk about the rights men and women have as citizens of whatever country they have been affiliated and yet there were very few how took the time to recognize that they are and they have been—first and foremost—citizens of the kingdom of heaven. While it is indeed true that you and I might be citizens of this country we must needs recognize and understand that we have been called to a life living as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. It is not coincidental that Jesus instructed and invited His disciples and followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness for HE knew and understood that at the very heart of everything we are and everything we pursue there must be the pursuit of the kingdom of heaven. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray he taught them to pray and ask the Father that His kingdom would come. What’s more is that not only would Jesus teach His disciples to pray that the kingdom of God might be manifested in the earth but He also taught them that their first and primary pursuit was indeed the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness of God. The more I think about and consider these truths and principles the more I am brought face to face with the strong contrast which exists between the religious and those who are righteous in their own eyes and the true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am absolutely and incredible struck with the powerful truth that we as the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have been called to an entirely different measure and standard of righteousness than those of the scribes and Pharisees. Not only this but the Lord Jesus would declare that unless our righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and the Pharisees we would not even see the kingdom of heaven. With this being said we must needs understand and recognize that there are those who seek their reward and treasure in this life within and upon the earth. There are those among us who do indeed and do in fact seek the praise, the honor, the recognition, the accolades and the praise of men here in this life. This is what the Lord Jesus would speak of when we read His words in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew. With this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel beginning to read with and from the first verse: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no regard of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when doest almost, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:1-4). “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:5-15). “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of as sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:16-18). It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for within them we see two different types of people. On the one hand we see those who seek their treasures and their rewards here on the earth while on the other hand we see those who seek their treasures and their reward in heaven. It is not accidental but by purpose and design the Lord Jesus would speak unto His disciples and speak to them of their Father which sees in heaven. The Lord Jesus earnestly and desperately desired His disciples and followers to recognize and understand that they needed to live their lives in direct accordance with the kingdom of heaven as they were indeed citizens of that kingdom. While it was indeed true that so long as they were in the earthly tents and tabernacles of their physical flesh they would be citizens of whatever nation they were born it was indeed true that they were being called to be pilgrims and strangers upon the earth. What adds even more weight to this is when you consider the fact their fathers lived and dwelt as strangers and pilgrims in the earth during their time within and upon the earth. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob each lived their lives as strangers and pilgrims upon the earth and even Scripture itself spoke of Abraham as being one who chose to live and dwell among tents in a strange and foreign land as he would be a many of both the tent and the altar. If there is one thing we must needs recognize concerning Abraham it’s that he was indeed a man of both the tent and the altar as he was a man who offered up prayer(s) and sacrifice(s) unto the living God while also sojourning as a stranger and pilgrim in the midst of the earth. This is something we must needs recognize as we ourselves have indeed been called to live our lives as strangers and pilgrims within and upon the earth. I write these words today and I am brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the awesome reality of the kingdom of heaven and how it is not only a future hope and expectation but it is also a present reality. If there is one thing we must needs acknowledge concerning the kingdom of heaven it’s that it is so much more than simply something we anticipate and expect in the coming days or on the other side of eternity. There is something incredibly unique and powerful about the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for they do indeed call and draw our attention to the reality that the kingdom of heaven was indeed something the Lord Jesus came to establish and create in the midst of the earth. We dare not and must not miss this incredible truth and how important it is for when we consider our lives here upon the earth we must recognize they are but a vapor. The words and language contained within these passages of Scripture do indeed and do in fact call and draw us into the place where we recognize that we have not been called to live our lives for the things of this world. We as the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have indeed been called to live our lives as citizens of a completely different culture and realm—one where we do not have any rights, status or privilege. Oh there would be those who would like to live their lives as citizens within this earth with all the rights and privileges it affords and yet such individuals fail to recognize and understand that when we think about the kingdom of heaven we do not have any rights nor do we have any privileges. When we think about the kingdom of heaven—especially in its relationship to the earth—we must needs understand and acknowledge that we must relinquish all our rights, all our privileges and anything we think we are somehow entitled to. Oh this is what is truly captivating about the words which we find in these passages of Scripture for within them we are brought into the place where we see two different types of individuals within and upon the earth—one set of individuals who are living for the kingdoms and empires of this world and those who are living for the kingdom of heaven. The more I read the words which are found in these passages of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the additional words and language that is found in the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew. Not only this but I am also reminded of the different words we find throughout the gospels concerning Jesus’ words unto His disciples concerning those who would be the greatest, those who would be servant, and those who would be last. There is a great need for us to recognize that we have not been called to be master, we have not been called to be the greatest and we have not been called to be first. As you continue to ponder the economy that is found within heaven you will be brought to the place where you recognize that we have indeed been called into the place where we are willing to be servant, where we are willing to be last and where we are willing to be the least among others. This particular reality is something which we must needs understand when reading the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke for within this passage we find the language which the Lord Jesus would speak unto those who would walk with and follow Him. Oh we dare not and must not ignore and reject this line of thinking for within it we encounter the truth that we have not been called to be those who live for themselves and for the pleasures, the desires, the delights and the things of this world. The kingdom of heaven has never been nor will it ever be about those who are the greatest, those who are first and even those who are master for even Jesus Himself did not come to be served but to serve. Not only this but the Lord Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many that all those who believe upon Him would not receive eternal life but would also be given the right to become the sons of God. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew as well as the various other passages in Scripture concerning the first and the last, the least and the greatest and those who would be servant to others: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:13-23). “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:24-27). Consider now if you will the following words which are found in the final portion of the twenty-fifth chapter of this same New Testament gospel before we delve into the words which Jesus spoke concerning the least, the last and the servants. THE LEAST, THE LAST & THE SERVANTS: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him,s saying, Lord,, when saw we thee an hungred and fed thee? Or thirst, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they say answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or. Naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:31-46). With these words we clearly see a distinct difference between the economy of the earth and the economy that is found in heaven. There is clearly a distinction that was made between men within each of these passages as the Lord Jesus would speak of the separation of sheep and gates. The Lord Jesus would divide the sheep—those who ministered unto Him in His time of need—and the goats—those who chose not to minister to Him in His time of need—and would grant unto the sheep eternal life while the goats would be relegated to divine punishment. Oh this is something we must needs recognize when considering this for even when you read the words which are found in the seventh chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative you will be brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding those who will profess and say, “Lord, Lord” in the presence of Jesus expecting Him to know them—and not only know them but also to grant them access and entrance into the kingdom of heaven. What we find, however, is an incredible powerful truth surrounding those who will indeed enter into the kingdom of heaven as being those who knew and performed the will of the Father versus those who did only what they desired and saw fit to do within their own hearts and minds. Oh there is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to these passages of Scripture for when you read the words found in the gospels you will find Jesus calling His disciples to be a people who are the least, who are the last and who are servants unto all. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for only when we allow ourselves to truly become the least, to become the last and to be servant unto others can and will we be able to do that which the Lord Jesus spoke in this passage of Scripture. Having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found within the four gospels concerning those who would be first, those who desire to be master and those who desire to be the greatest: “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (Matthew 19:27-30). “…So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. AN when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the Goodman of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst. Not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give uno this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 20:8-16). “And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children. In my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me” (Mark 9:33-37). “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first” (Mark 10:28-31). “And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to. Knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last” (Luke 13:22-30). It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay attention to the words found in these passages of Scripture for what we find therein are powerful truths pertaining to the kingdom of God—and not only to the kingdom of God but also to the economy of the kingdom as it pertains to the culture and society we are living. If there is one thing we must needs understand it’s that the economy of the kingdom is entirely and altogether different from the culture and society in which we are living. What makes this all the more captivating is when you consider how the words which Jesus spoke concerning the kingdom of heaven and how he would deliver these truths and principles while Judaea, Galilee and even the city of Jerusalem were under the rule of the Roman Empire. Jesus Christ would come into the midst of Judaea, Galilee, Jerusalem and the surrounding regions preaching the economy and culture of the kingdom of heaven within the earth and He would preach this culture of a kingdom that was not of this world. Even when Jesus would stand before Pilate accused of the Jews and their religious leaders He would emphatically state that His kingdom was not of this world for if it was those who followed Him would raise up arms and lift themselves against the Roman occupation. There is a not a doubt in my mind when reading the words found in these passages of Scripture that we encounter the economy and culture of the kingdom of heaven and how within the kingdom of heaven it is not about those who are or those who wish to be first but rather those who are willing to be last. It was the Lord Jesus who would declare that the first shall be last and the last shall be first in addition to many being called but few are chosen. This is something we have a great need in recognizing and paying close attention to when reading the words found in the gospels for within the gospels we encounter the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the kingdom of heaven and how it completely and utterly transforms a culture and society. If the kingdom of heaven which is just as much about a personal experience as much as it is a corporate expression is permitted to infiltrate a city, a town, a culture, a society and the like it can without a doubt utterly transform the hearts, the minds and souls of countless individuals. With this being said there is a great need to pay close attention to this as it calls our attention to the truth surrounding those who would seek to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely astounding it is for it brings us to the place where we cease from our striving of trying to be great, greater and greatest in the kingdom of heaven. There is a great need within the hearts and souls of those who desire to be citizens in the kingdom of heaven to cease from all their striving and all their disputing around who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven—even whether or not they themselves can and should be the greatest—for there is absolutely no room or place in the kingdom of heaven for those who think that it is somehow a corporate ladder they can climb to arrive at some utopian place of prominence. With this in mind I invite you consider the following words which are found within the gospels concerning the disciples disputing among themselves who was greatest and Jesus’ words concerning those who would seek to be great and greatest in the kingdom of heaven: “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And who’s shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that of fences come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: It is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire” (Matthew 18:1-9). “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:1-12). “And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive on of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me” (Mark 9:33-37). “Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great” (Luke (9:46-48). “And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you’re a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:24-30). It is quite clear from all of the passages just presented that in the economy of the kingdom it is not only the last who shall be first but also it’s not about being great, being greater or even being the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven has no corporate ladder nor succession path that men and women can travel to somehow achieve greatness within it. There have been countless men and women throughout the years who have thought and felt they could in fact be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and/or even seek and strive to be the greatest, however, those who do in fact seek to be greatest in the kingdom of heaven can and will find themselves forever striving, forever contending and forever pursuing. There can never and there will never be any rest for those who would seek to be greatest in the kingdom of heaven for seeking to be great and the greatest by its very nature can and will impose constant pressure on those who would seek to somehow achieve and attain unto is. We as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ must recognize that we have not only been called to be the the last in the kingdom as well as the least in the kingdom of heaven. There is absolutely no room within the kingdom of heaven for men and women who are constantly striving and seeking to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven or even seeking to be first. In fact—by its very nature—seeking to be first will always mean that those who are trying to attain unto it believe that others should be behind them. Seeking to be first within the kingdom of heaven automatically places others in a rank below you and creates a caste system within the economy and culture of the kingdom. This is something we have to understand for it brings us face to face with the wonderful reality surrounding those who would seek to truly please the living God and be disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh it’s with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the four gospels concerning those who are and have been called to be servants unto and among those before and all around them: “…And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20”24-28). “…But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:8-12). “And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me” (Mark 9:33-37). “…And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister. And whosoever of you will be the chief east, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:41-45). As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the sixth chapter of the gospel written by Luke. If you continue reading the words within this passage you will find the Lord Jesus instructing and inviting His disciples to an entirely different way of life. If you begin reading with and from the twenty-seventh verse of this chapter you will find the Lord Jesus instructing and inviting His disciples to love their enemies, to do good to those which hated them, to bless those which cursed them and to pray for those which despitefully used them. In all reality this is something we must needs understand for essentially that which Jesus was inviting His disciples to understand was how to live with offenses, how to live wounded, how to live bruised, how to live persecuted and how to live with affliction, with trials, with troubles and with tribulation. Please note that when I mean living with offenses I mean learning to live with those who have somehow offended you and those who might very well offend you as you continue to live within this physical tent and physical body of flesh and blood. I am absolutely convinced that not only ought we to learn how to live with offenses, wounds, bruises and scars but we must also expect them and not be surprised by them. There is something we must needs acknowledge within this passage of Scripture for within it we encounter the wonderful reality of the life we are called to live as the Lord invites us to love our enemies, to do good to those which hate us, to bless those which curse us and pray for those which despitefully use us. Please note and understand the only way for us to do this is if we as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ learn to live our lives as those who are willing to be the last, those who are wiling to be the least and those who are willing to be servant unto others. We cannot and will not be able to love our enemies if we are not willing to live as the least, live as the last and live as servant unto those we have been called to.

Oh that we would learn how to live loving our neighbors and our enemies alike and keep ourselves from any form of judgment. It is also within this passage we find the Lord Jesus Christ calling on His disciples to abstain and refrain from walking in judgment against others whom they would interact with and encounter on a daily basis throughout the course of their lives. It would be in this passage of Scripture Jesus invites and instructs His disciples to live their lives completely and utterly selfless and sacrificial without giving any thought to anything that might belong to them or any thing they think belongs to them. Jesus would instruct His disciples to offer the other cheek to the one who smote them on the one cheek. Jesus would warn and causation against forbidding that one which took away their cloke from taking their coat also. This would indeed be followed by the Lord Jesus instructing them to give to every man that asks of them and of him which would take away their goods they were not to ask them again. Not only this but the Lord Jesus would instruct and invite his disciples to do good unto others as they would have them do unto them. Essentially that which the Lord Jesus was inviting His disciples to do was to live their lives esteeming others as better than themselves and to live completely and utterly servant unto others. Oh imagine what your life would and could be like if you chose to live your life as servant unto others and to esteem oneself as the least and last among others Please recognize and understand how absolutely necessary and vital this truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the life we have indeed been called to live as those who would indeed be disciples of Christ for they are indeed the ones who are going to be the least, who are going to be the last and who are going to be servant unto all.