Did the disciples continue to argue over who would be the greatest, try to position themselves, and pursue greatness on earth?  Or did they learn the lesson that Jesus taught, “He who is least among you all he is the greatest,” and humble themselves?

According to Scripture and historical accounts found in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs:

Matthew was martyred with a sword in Ethiopia.

Mark died after being cruelly dragged through the streets.

Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece.

John was put in a caldron of boiling oil but miraculously escaped death and then he was banished (exiled) to Patmos.

Peter was crucified upside down in Rome.

James, the brother of John, was beheaded. 

The other James was thrown from the top of a temple and then beaten to death with a club.  

Bartholomew was skinned alive. 

Andrew was tied to a cross and preached to his persecutors until he died. 

Thomas was run through the body with a long spear. 

Jude was shot to death with arrows. 

Matthias, who replaced Judas, was first stoned and then beheaded. 

Barnabas was stoned to death. 

Paul, after various tortures and persecution, was beheaded in Rome.

The disciples achieved greatness.  Each one humbled himself, was insulted by the enemies of Jesus, and proved their love for Him. They each died to their own desires and ambitions.  They gave their very lives in order to put others first.  God has called us to such a life of humility, service, and sacrifice. 

The Bible describes the holy city of the New Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:10-14).  It is going to going to be filled with the glory of God and sparkle like a precious gem. 

The wall of the city will have twelve foundation stones and on them will be written the names of the twelve apostles of the Jesus (vs. 14).  Each one will be eternally recognized and honored.

Like the apostles, we must guard ourselves from pride, the weapon Satan uses constantly to battle against the Spirit of God within us. 

We must not be overly self-conscious of self-importance.  Instead, we must be totally dependant upon God.

We must not act as if we have all the answers.  Instead, we must ask questions, learn, and seek the counsel of others.

We must not have a “proud look.”  Instead, we must vigilantly examine our thoughts, motives, attitudes, speech, and actions.

We must not embellish our resumes.  Instead, we must thank God by serving others.

We must not boast about future plans or accomplishments.  Instead, we must involve God in our lives.

We must not love the praise of men.  Instead, we must desire and seek an eternal reward from God.

We must not focus on the “I” or the “My.”  Instead, we must give all the glory to God.

We must not have little concern for others.  Instead, we must include, show interest in, commend, honor, and be open with others.

We must not credit ourselves with accomplishments.  Instead, we must credit God and others.

We must not love titles, rewards, position, recognition, and compensation.  Instead, we must model our attitude after that of Christ Jesus.

Let us “try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry.  Let’s show that we are true ministers of God.  Let’s serve God whether people honor or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us” (2 Corinthians 6:3-8).