Read Matthew 20:20-28

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26–27)

Greatness is the one thing that nearly every man craves. But it is an ambition that can never be satisfied or quenched in this world. There is never an end to the greed of it: whether that greatness is in the context of a small group or in the context of a grand setting.

We have evil inclinations like evil Haman, found in the Book of Esther, who rages in anger when only one man does not bow to his greatness (see Esther 3:5).

Elsewhere in the Old Testament we see that the purpose of the Tower of Babel was to ensure that they made a name for themselves that was great, which was all the epitome of man’s idolatry. Don’t be fooled: self-determined greatness and idolatry are one in the same sin.

How ironic that the Tower of Babel, the greatest pinnacle of greatness in the new world after the flood, no longer exists, and so it is for any nation of the past which sought greatness. And for the most part mankind doesn’t care about the ancient “greats” with the exception of the curious history student.

Jesus knows that this is in the human heart, and because of sin, the desire to be great is displayed by trying to be a lord over others. It’s about how many people you can get to serve you. 

But Jesus shows us a different way according to the Kingdom of God. Actually, it’s not just a different way. It’s the only true way to be great.

In God’s Kingdom greatness is found in meekness and humility.

Those who are truly preeminent among us are those who have made themselves last. Those who are truly full are those who have made themselves empty. Those who are truly abounding are those who live in abased.

So backward to our natural thinking that perhaps we would never believe the words of Jesus on this matter if He didn’t exemplify it Himself. God in His greatness showed His greatness by becoming the servant of all.

It’s for the very reason that God is great that He chose to humble Himself as a man.

“[He] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:7–8)

What a mysterious wonder this is to the natural man. Only the spiritual born again man’s eyes have been opened to this great principle.

True glory and true majesty is found in the man who serves humbly. True preeminence is found in the man who makes himself last.

Will you consider the words of Jesus today? Even more, will you apply them to your life?

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5)

What if your broken marriage is within reach of being renewed if all you did was have this mind which was in Christ Jesus? What if winning your children’s hearts from rebellion is within reach if all you did was have this mind which was in Christ Jesus? What if there is a soul to be saved tomorrow and the only thing that needs to happen is having the mind of Christ?

May we never underestimate what it means to be great in God’s Kingdom!

For remember this: Jesus who once made Himself despised and rejected by men on earth now has the name which is above every name!

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11)