Who Is the Greatest?
Are you childish and constantly trying to see who is greatest? Or are you childlike with a humble and sincere heart?
An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.
Luke 9:46 NIV
When he [Jesus] was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
Mark 9:33–34 NIV
Seriously?
We read these verses and marvel that the disciples could be so petty after Jesus had just announced his coming persecution and death.
…he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
Mark 9:31 NIV
Why Do You Care Who Is the Greatest?
Jim Rosscup, in An Exposition on Prayer, postulates
Several things could have led to the question.
Jim Rosscup, An Exposition on Prayer
(1) Jesus had spoken in His great sermon about being greater in the kingdom (5:19), later of being least in the kingdom (11:11).
(2) Jesus had singled out Peter, even promised him keys to the kingdom (16:17–19). To wield keys in a king’s palace was to have position with authority giving access to various rooms. Other things, too, could naturally provoke the curiosity.
(3) Three disciples were distinguished in going to the Transfiguration, nine not selected (17:1–13).
(4) Conviction is building among the disciples that Jesus is the Messiah (16:16). The three had even heard the Father attest Him (17:5). And Jesus has just given Peter the illustration of a king and his sons.
(5) Jesus singled Peter out in providing tax money for Himself and this one disciple (17:27).
Pastor’s Favorite Pets
Too often, people gripe about who the pastor spends most of his time with or joust to gain recognition from prominent individuals to feel significant. While complaining that there are “favorite pets,” people vie for that exalted position themselves while protesting that everyone should be treated equally. However, Jesus’ life did not exhibit that example. He chose disciples to invest His time in (Matthew 4:18–22) and committed the spreading of the Gospel message to them (Matthew 28:16–20).
Become Like Little Children
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
Matthew 18:1—5 NIV
Matthew 18, then is about pleasing God and having a status He approves. A prayer question in curiosity about who is greater in pleasing Him receives Jesus’ answer in criteria of pleasing Him. These flow in attitudes of humility, receptivity, discipline and forgiveness. …they are to view what pleases Him as He assesses it in them, in a servant’s attitude. This is to be humble, dependent on and receptive to Him, prizing His will in self-control and disciplining others, and forgiveness. In essence neither entrance into nor eminence in the kingdom is due to human greatness. It is a privilege conferred by God’s grace. It is not by people deserving but by their dependence. The quest is not really status by the followers’ worthiness, but submission to His will. At the core is not seeking high achievement, but submitting in a humble, helpless attitude—that is, not grasping for self but giving oneself away to God and to others in ways that please Him.
Jim Rosscup, An Exposition on Prayer
Childlike, Not Childish
The Life Application Study Bible notes about Matthew 18:1–4:
It is easy to lose our eternal perspective and compete for promotions or status in the church. It is difficult, but healthy, to identify with “children”—weak and dependent people with no status or influence.
Jesus used a child to help his self-centered disciples get the point. We are not to be childish (like the disciples, arguing over petty issues), but rather childlike, with humble and sincere hearts. In what areas of your life do you tend to struggle with childishness? In what ways are you making progress with childlikeness?
Life Application Study Bible notes for Matthew 18:1–4
The Bottom Line?
Does it matter who is the greatest? As children of God, He should be the greatest in our lives!
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:30 NIV
Insight Journal
- Am I willing to become “as a little child” and dependently trust Christ even though it may mean that I will have no status or influence?
POST A COMMENT about your insights on your journey toward spiritual maturity! We would love to connect with you!
Discover the heart of childlike faith! As a Little Child: Conversations with the Father by Melanie D. Lewis is available as an ebook and course through DDCommunity Institute.
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