Are You a Great Person?

The word "great" can mean different things to different people, but in describing a person, it is generally used as a positive adjective to describe someone whose ability is considerably above average in their chosen vocation or accomplishments. Names such as Alexander the Great, George Washington, Albert Einstein, the "late great" Elvis Presley, Michael Jordan, and Elon Musk come to mind, to name just a few. When Christians read the Bible, however, they find that greatness has nothing to do with fame or fortune and everything to do with service and salvation.

Jesus flipped the script for His followers on the whole concept of greatness. In typical human fashion, the prideful disciples argued amongst themselves about which of them was the "greatest" (Mark 9:33-34, Luke 9:46, Matthew 18:1). Jesus then explained that to be great in His kingdom, they must have the mindset of a lowly, innocent, loving child: "Whoever will humble himself and become like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4). In Mark 9:35, Jesus tells His disciples that to be great, they must also have the mindset of a servant: "If anyone desires to be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all." Using the example of a child again, Jesus makes the point that those who selflessly welcome and serve the most vulnerable ("the least") in society in His name are also serving Him and, ultimately, God. They will then have achieved greatness (Matthew 18:5, 25:37-40, Luke 9:47-48, Mark 9:36-37).

Jesus also used parables and personal example to teach about servanthood. In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus teaches us that we should love and serve all people, regardless of who they are or their life circumstances (Luke 10:30-37). In Jesus' parable about the good servants who are waiting for their master to return home from the marriage feast, we are taught that God values those who serve Him faithfully and do His will (Luke 12:35-40). Jesus even says that the faithful servants will be rewarded by the master, who "will gird himself and have them recline at the table and will come and serve them!" The parable ultimately teaches us that we should be faithful to God in our lives and ready for Jesus' return. We can then live with the hope that we might be found worthy to receive the reward of eternal life. Jesus said, "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40).

Jesus loved His disciples "to the end." Even though He knew that His own death was imminent, He took the time to give them a clear example of loving service when He washed their feet (John 13:1-15):  "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." The Son of God had humbly demonstrated for them and for us the concept of being "last of all". Jesus' point is reinforced in Mark 10:45 when He says, "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." In 1 Peter 4:10, we are told to use whatever talents ("gifts") we have to serve others as agents of God's grace.

The Bible is clear and consistent on God's paradoxical definition of true greatness. To be great in the eyes of God, we must be willing to humble ourselves and selflessly serve Him by loving and serving others, as was taught by Jesus.  Do you tend to give priority to your needs or to the needs of others? Do others perceive you to be prideful or humble? Do you seek the temporary greatness of this world or the everlasting greatness of the Kingdom of God? The Disciple Group encourages you to ponder these big questions and to pray about your priorities in life. Then ask God to give you the humble heart of a servant. Remember that all things, including greatness, are possible with God!