“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” (Matthew 18:1 NIV)

There seems to be ingrained in most people and their societies the desire to be the greatest. On a national level in this country we hear “Buy British” or, across the ‘pond’, “Make America Great Again”. We want as a people and as a nation to be the great if not the greatest.

This also translates down to people on an individual level. We talk about “climbing the ladder of success” and we want to be the one in the office giving the orders and not the one receiving them. Sadly we even see this in the lives of Christians. I once heard a young preacher who was just starting out tell me that his goal was to be a great preacher but not realising that this required a large amount of study and prayer. We hear from others that they want to be “up front” during worship, as if that would get people to look at them “great”.

What is true greatness as a Christian? Is it being the best preacher? Is it being the one everyone looks up to? Look at Jesus’ reply to this question.

“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 18:2-5)

I’m sure there are those who heard what Jesus said who couldn’t believe their ears! Did he really say that to be great you had to take the position of a child? Surely he meant to be a rabbi or to be influential! What influence can a child have? How can someone who is shy, vulnerable, and unsure of themselves be looked on as the greatest in God’s kingdom?

Perhaps that is the point. God is not looking for those who trust in themselves but those who are willing to trust in him. Have you noticed the trust that a child has in their parents and grandparents? I have six grandsons from almost five years old to going on eight months old. When they see their grandfather they give a yell, a smile, and run into my arms – they trust me and know that I’m there for them (and won’t drop them!). Children trust their parents and grandparents. They know these are the people who love them and want what’s best for them.

Isn’t that the way we need to be with God? We trust him with the trust a child has. We know he loves us – he showed that in sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins (see 1 John 4:9-10). Because we know his love we not only love him but love others as well.

This is what Jesus is looking for in those who follow him. He wants people who are willing to love him and trust him in all circumstances. He wants those who then are able to love others because of the love he has for us. Love (agape), we realise, is not an emotion but an action. If we love others we are going to do whatever we can to help them. It isn’t about being recognised for what we do and doing great things – it is all about loving those who are often neglected – as children are – and doing whatever we can for them, even if no one ever notices.

Do you want to be great in God’s kingdom? Then learn to take a lowly position and learn to love others.

Photo by Arlene Galloway.

Readings for next week: Matthew 16-21