PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 18:1-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)
Why were the disciples asking this question? Was it an academic question, or were they selfishly seeking a way to be one of the great ones? This question makes me think of the refrain being heard in US politics about making America great again (MAGA). What would it take to make America great? Now imagine asking Jesus this question… ‘Jesus, what would it take to make America great?’
Jesus uses a little child to explain greatness. This is odd for two reasons: (1) in that culture and time, children were not considered great, and (2) children are actually weak, dependent, limited in knowledge and understanding. Imagine if Jesus answered the MAGA question by saying, ‘unless America changes and becomes like little children. it cannot be great, and cannot enter God’s kingdom.’
To become like a little child does not mean to become childish or immature. Jesus is challenging the prideful and selfish pursuit of greatness with the humble and selfless pursuit of smallness, like a child. This call to humility is repeated when Jesus challenges his followers to be servants/slaves:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
What does this say to me personally? What does this say to our desire for the church? What does this say for our hope for our nation? Should those who claim to follow Jesus make greatness their aim? Can we truly say we are following Jesus if we are eager to be great like this? Jesus came to serve and to sacrifice, to put himself beneath others to lift them up. How am I choosing the smallness of a child and the humility of a servant, like the one I claim to follow?
Lord Jesus, You bring down the high and mighty, and lift up the small and weak. You became nothing to go beneath me and lift me up. Help me by Your Spirit to follow You in doing this for others.