GREATNESS ACCORDING TO THE KINGDOM
“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as 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 slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 NIV
In our world, greatness is often measured by status, power, or recognition. Leaders are applauded for how many people they command, how many employees answer to them, or how much influence they hold. But in the Kingdom of God, greatness is measured very differently. Jesus makes it clear that true greatness is not in ruling over others, but in serving them.
Service can easily be misunderstood. In business, service is often transactional, offered for a price, done with expectation of return. But the kind of service Jesus speaks of flows from humility and love, not self-interest. It is service that costs us something our comfort, our pride, our time, but in giving, we reflect the heart of Christ.
Jesus Himself set the standard. The King of glory did not come demanding honor or recognition. Instead, He clothed Himself in humanity, washed His disciples’ feet, healed the sick, and ultimately gave His very life as a ransom for many. His greatness was revealed not in being served, but in pouring Himself out for others.
In the Kingdom, greatness is not a pursuit of self-exaltation but of self-denial. It is found when we surrender our will to God and seek the good of others above ourselves. And the beautiful truth is this: in God’s eyes, no act of service is ever too small. Whether it is speaking a word of encouragement, extending forgiveness, or carrying another’s burden, it is counted as greatness in His Kingdom.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for showing us the true meaning of greatness. I am taught to walk in humility, to lay down my pride, and to serve others as You did. May my life reflect Your heart, and may every act of service point others back to the One who gave His life for all, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Galatians 5:13
• John 13:12
• 1 Peter 5:5
