Matthew 18:1–5 (NKJV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Again, here we have the
twelve arguing about who is the greatest, so they ask Jesus. Jesus brings a
child to them and walks them through what greatness really is. You see, the
world and God have two different measures for greatness. When God measures the
greatness of an individual, He puts the tape measure around the heart not the
head.
Our flesh desires greatness,
the world screams to worship greatness, and often there is a small voice that
agrees. Now, we should do all things with a high standard, for as Colossians
3:17 says, “Whatever we do we should do in the name of the Lord.” So work hard,
and do everything you do for the glory of God; but don’t use the world’s
measures for greatness.
Some of the measures of true
greatness include: humility, a servant’s heart, holy living, evangelistic
focus, love for people, honesty, and forgiveness. This is not an inclusive list, but it is
several things I see repeated in the scriptures and chapter 18 of Matthew.
The foundation of true
greatness is based on humility, It’s Pride—thinking of ourselves as more
important than we really are. True humility means knowing yourself, accepting
yourself, and being yourself—your best
self—to the glory of God.
Serving is an attitude that
finds its beginnings in humility. Jesus came as a servant. What kind of
greatness do you seek; we are not greater than our master. Be content serving
in the little things, for if you are too big to do the little things you will
be too small for the big things. True humility thinks of others, not of self. A
true servant thinks of others, not of self.
If you are giving your life
in humble service, desiring holiness, living a holy life so you do not stumble,
and others are not stumbled by you, continue on. We are called to be evangelists
(which simply means telling people about Jesus). Love people like Jesus did,
and live your life in a way so that others may have life. Bring people, tell
people, and point people to Jesus.
Lastly forgiveness, the
world’s worst prison is the prison of an unforgiving heart. It is not enough to
receive God’s forgiveness or even the
forgiveness of others. We must experience that forgiveness in our hearts so that it humbles us and
makes us gentle and forgiving toward others. The servant in the parable in
Mathew 18 did not have a deep experience of forgiveness and humility. He was just off the hook, he did not experience forgiveness; this is why he did not have the graceful mind to extend forgiveness to his fellow servant.
You have been forgiven a
debt that you could never repay, Jesus died for your sins a debt you could not repay. A good memory is a decent thing, but the
ability to forget and forgive is the true token of greatness. Desire true
greatness as outlined in the scriptures. Do not let the world define your
greatness, desire true greatness.
