Former Blackout Artist

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 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 18:1-5

The disciples spent a lot of time worrying about their rank. Even after years of walking with Jesus, watching Him heal the sick, feed the hungry, loving and caring for the outcasts, they were still caught up in the question of who was the greatest. It wasn’t the first time they argued about it, and it wouldn’t be the last.

Jesus didn’t scold them, however. He didn’t roll His eyes or tell them to get over themselves. Instead, He called over a child – someone with no social standing, no achievements to brag about, no influence in the world – and said, Be like this.

That had to sting a little! In their culture, children weren’t admired for their innocence; they were considered weak, dependent, and insignificant. And yet Jesus said, This is what greatness looks like in My kingdom.

Jesus knew their struggle because it’s our struggle too. We want to be seen, respected, and acknowledged. We measure success in titles, influence, or even how well we “perform” in our faith. But Jesus flips it all upside down. True greatness isn’t found in climbing higher but in stepping lower. It’s found in humility, in dependence on God, in letting go of our pride and trusting our Father fully – just like a child.

The disciples would eventually get it. They would remember Jesus washing their feet in the Upper Room. They would watch their Master lay down His life for the sake of others. And one day, they would follow His example, not as men trying to be great, but as servants of the Greatest One of all.

Maybe today is a good day to reset… to stop striving for recognition and simply rest in the truth that we don’t have to prove our worth – Jesus already did that on the cross. Our call is to walk humbly, trust fully, and serve joyfully. That’s the kind of greatness that matters in His kingdom.