Exodus 4:1-5:21
Matthew 18:1-22
Psalms 22:19-31
Proverbs 5:15-21
(Matthew 18:1-4)
What really is being the greatest? The dictionary tells us to be great, means you are the most important, the main, the chief. I’m sure we would have to all agree with that- but Jesus taught His disciples one day another meaning to greatness. A meaning which really requires a greater greatness.
We love to get mad and point the finger at others for their actions sometimes. We say things like “if only they could see ( or hear) themselves and see how foolish they are making themselves look ( or sound)”. Many times the image we judge can be a mirror looking back at us. Now whose reflection are you seeing? –Let me explain.
One day the Disciples are having a discussion amongst themselves. They really are arguing who is the greatest out of them. I’m sure opinion and reason were flying from the left and right. Each had a point to prove why it should be them. What would you use to get your point across? In the midst of this ‘squabble’ Jesus shows up. “Let’s let Jesus tell us who’s the greatest”! They all agreed.
The next words that came from the mouth of Jesus not only silenced their pride – but also taught them a lesson they would not soon forget. Expecting for one to be singled out Jesus brings another in their midst…a small child. Turning to the child He points and says “here is the greatest among you”!
‘What’? He’s been out in the sun too long today? He’s really lost it this time! No, He was showing them that in order to be the greatest you have to be willing to be first the least. Greatness is not a position to achieve, but rather a position to leave! Greatness is being willing to become humble, to become child like with no strings attached.
Too often our thoughts are to grow up and mature – where maybe our lives need to take a drastic u-turn. Perhaps it’s time to revisit the child in us…and allow greatness to be the foundation on which we build. A foundation of servant hood and humility. That’s what Jesus defines the greatest to be!
