This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Cross Examined: Who is the Greatest? (LISTEN HERE)
You have probably had a conversation with a friend about who is the “GOAT” or “The Greatest Of All Time.” Depending on the category, it might have been a bit of a heated conversation. Who is the greatest quarterback? Who is the greatest football team? Who is the greatest president? Who is the greatest teacher? The list can go on.
In evaluating who is the greatest one may make a determination based on objective facts such as statistics, accomplishments, or awards. However, sometimes the discussion is based more on subjective inputs such as character, integrity, or personality.
Just as the debate about who is the greatest can occur, sometimes we want to be included on that list. The question may not be always, “Who is the greatest?” but “Am I better than the other person?” “Do I deserve a raise more than someone else?” “Should I get more playing time?” “Should I be asked to be the keynote speaker?” etc.
Inside of each of us we want to be valued, recognized and important. We subconsciously want that recognition from someone who matters to us and desire to be chosen over someone else. We want to know we are a little better.
We are not the first.
The twelve followers of Jesus had this same desire and periodically would argue/discuss the matter among themselves. They wanted to know who was the greatest…or who would be the greatest in the kingdom of Jesus was speaking of and would establish.
Of all times and places, the disciples get into this discussion around the Passover table the night before Jesus went to the cross. Here’s how Jesus responded:
Luke 22:24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus didn’t reprimand them. He taught them. Like many aspects, life in God’s kingdom was not going to look like many institutions of this earth. Greatness was not going to be built on power, position and prestige, but on a humble heart and willingness to serve others.
The disciples were probably expecting to settle the argument for them by declaring one or two of them the “winners” of the “who’s the greatest” contest. But he doesn’t. He rather teaches them that all of them can be great in his kingdom. He teaches us that we too can be great in his kingdom.
“Who is the greatest?” isn’t really the question that we need answered. Rather Jesus teaches “How do we be great in the kingdom of God?”
This week we will learn from Jesus’ response to guide our heart and actions.
Apply: What is your definition of greatness? Have you ever been disappointed when you weren’t acknowledged or recognized for some form of greatness/accomplishment/achievement? Reflect on why it affected you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your concern for our heart and your willingness to patiently teach us what the blessed life in your kingdom is all about. Help me to embrace your understanding of greatness and put it into practice in our lives. AMEN.