In the teachings of Jesus, the concept of greatness in God's Kingdom is radically different from worldly perceptions of greatness. Jesus' definition of greatness is deeply rooted in humility, service, and childlike faith. His teachings challenge the conventional wisdom of power, status, and authority, offering instead a vision of greatness that is accessible to all who embrace His values.
One of the most poignant passages where Jesus addresses greatness is found in the Gospel of Matthew. When the disciples came to Jesus asking, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (Matthew 18:1, ESV), Jesus responded by calling a child to Him and saying, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4, ESV). Here, Jesus emphasizes that greatness in God's Kingdom is marked by humility and a childlike disposition. Children, in their innocence and dependence, exemplify the qualities that Jesus values: trust, humility, and openness.
Furthermore, Jesus underscores the importance of servanthood as a hallmark of greatness. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus contrasts the leadership styles of the Gentile rulers with the kind of leadership He expects from His followers. He says, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (ESV). Here, Jesus redefines greatness as a life of service and self-sacrifice. The greatest in the Kingdom of God are those who, like Jesus, serve others selflessly and put the needs of others before their own.
The Gospel of Mark also records a similar teaching. In Mark 9:33-37, the disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, sat down and called the twelve to Him. He said, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35, ESV). To illustrate His point, He took a child in His arms and said, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me" (Mark 9:37, ESV). This reinforces the idea that true greatness is found in humble service and in welcoming and caring for the least among us.
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, echoes Jesus' teachings on greatness. In Philippians 2:3-8, Paul exhorts believers to "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (ESV). Paul presents Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and service, encouraging believers to adopt the same mindset.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus further elaborates on the qualities that characterize greatness in God's Kingdom. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) highlight the virtues that Jesus considers blessed: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and enduring persecution for righteousness' sake. These attributes are not typically associated with greatness in the world's eyes, but they are highly esteemed in the Kingdom of God. Jesus promises that those who embody these qualities will receive great rewards in heaven.
Additionally, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) provides a practical illustration of greatness through compassionate action. In response to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Jesus tells the story of a Samaritan who, unlike the priest and the Levite, stops to help a man who had been beaten and left for dead. The Samaritan's willingness to show mercy and care for a stranger exemplifies the kind of greatness that Jesus advocates. It is a greatness that transcends social and ethnic boundaries and is demonstrated through loving and serving others.
In summary, Jesus defines greatness in God's Kingdom in terms that are countercultural and revolutionary. Greatness is not about power, prestige, or position; it is about humility, service, and a heart aligned with God's values. Jesus calls His followers to a life of selfless love, where the greatest are those who serve others and live out the principles of the Kingdom. This redefinition of greatness challenges believers to reorient their lives and priorities, seeking to emulate the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.
