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

The Greatest

Do you remember Muhammed Ali who, with raised fist and booming voice, declared at every opportunity, “I am the greatest!”? He was a great champion, but had an exaggerated opinion of his own bad self.

The disciples of Jesus were also overly concerned for who among them was the greatest. They were comparing, aspiring to greatness for themselves, and jockeying for position. Who is the greatest in the kingdom? Not who you think. Not the controlling, the power-greedy, the finest dressed, the richest, or even the smartest.

The greatest is the one with a childlike heart. The greatest is the one who, like a child, trusts the heart of God and thrives worry-free and delighted in His love. The great one is that one who willingly obeys a strong, wise, and loving Father without a second thought. 

The greatest is the one who depends wholly on Him for protection and provision, looking to Him to meet all needs and defend against all dangers. This one is humble knowing she is but a child—a child loved by a magnificent Father.

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).

“Father, it is a delight to be Your daughter. Amen.”

“Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble; incline Your ear to me; in the day that I call, answer me speedily.” Psalm 102:2