Greatness

"Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” Luke 9:46-48 NLT

Jesus had just told his followers that he was going to be betrayed, rejected, and killed. Yet, they didn't get it. They had selective hearing. They were consumed with selfish ambition. Who among them was the greatest? Jesus answered them in a strange way. He picked up a child.

In Jesus' day, children were the lowest in the social order. They had no rights. They were considered the property of their parents. Jesus said that in accepting the lowliest, the humble, and the vulnerable we welcome him. This is counter cultural. It is kingdom culture.

Followers of Jesus are called to follow their master. Jesus welcomes and loves everyone. Status in the eyes of the world is irrelevant. Jesus says to be great, don't climb the ladder of success. Go low in the attitude of a servant.

Jesus came to us as a servant. He gave his life for us. He calls us to be humble. To love "the least of these."

How do you measure greatness?