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In Lk.9:46, we read of “an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest”. Whilst the disciples had given up earthly honour and trappings to follow their Master Jesus, they sought after greatness of status and honour in the Kingdom of God. John and James, the sons of Zebedee, requested Jesus to: “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (Mk. 10:37). Jesus had to teach the character quality of humility to be lived out in all His disciples. He called a little child over and had him stand beside Him and proceeded with an object lesson on what true greatness is: “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest.” (Lk. 9:48). Whoever welcomes (accepts and receives as guests) children – the weak, insignificant people, in Jesus’ Name, welcomes Jesus and God. The person who wants to be great must humble himself like a little child. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mk. 9:35). “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (Matt. 20:26).
Jesus’ call to His disciples comes with the important character quality of humility. It requires a denial of our self-interests, to be humble, faithful and obedient to serve others. Greatness in the Kingdom of God is diametrically different from greatness being practiced in the world (ref. Matt. 20:25-27). In the world, those who are great tend to lord over and exercise authority over others. On the contrary, in the Kingdom of God, those who are great are servants of God. In the words of the apostle Paul: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3, 4).
Beware of spiritual pride – the seeking of honour and prestige even in the context of serving in the Kingdom of God. Let us serve with a servant’s heart of humility. We should not make comparisons with other people, merely to make ourselves feel or appear better. When the reconciled Peter asked Jesus about John, Jesus answered: “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (Jn. 21:22). We are not to look at the other person in comparison but only to Jesus Christ and follow Him faithfully.
