Throughout history, people have sought after greatness. Muhammad Ali famously declared, “I am the greatest.” It’s a big statement, but it raises an important question: Who really is the greatest? Even the disciples of Jesus argued about who among them was the greatest.
In Luke 9:46-48, we read, “An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. Then He said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.’”
Jesus turned the world’s definition of greatness on its head. He showed that true greatness is not about power, status, or fame—it’s about humility and service.
In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” True greatness, according to Jesus, is found in serving others. It’s about putting others before yourself and living a life of love and humility.
The world’s view of greatness is often about self-promotion and seeking power. But Jesus calls us to a different standard. In Mark 9:33-36, when the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, Jesus sat down with them and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Greatness in the kingdom of God is about serving, loving, and putting others first. It’s a call to live differently, to value what God values, and to seek after the things that truly matter.
See what happens in your life and the life of those around you when you apply these principles of greatness Jesus gave us.
You can write the pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com