“An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.’” — Luke 9:46-48
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In 1964, before his heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali — then known as Cassius Clay — made his famous pronouncement: “I am the greatest.” He backed up his claim when he defeated Liston by a technical knockout after six rounds. No one can deny Ali’s greatness in the ring throughout his career, as he retired in 1981 with three world titles, 56 wins and only three losses.
Many consider Ali to be the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) — at least in the boxing realm — and that may indeed be true. Desiring to be the best in your sport is an admirable endeavor, but be careful not to let your pride get in the way.
As Jesus’ disciples were eagerly awaiting the Messianic Kingdom that He was about to bring into existence, they were also anxious about their role in the Kingdom and asked Jesus which of them would be the greatest (Luke 9:46). The disciples were concerned because some were selected over others for specific tasks, causing contention among them. They were more concerned with having prominence in the Kingdom than what Jesus had assigned for them. Each of the disciples wanted to ensure a favorable position — one that would meet their expectations — but they had it all wrong.
This became a teachable moment for the disciples, and for us today. Jesus had a little child stand beside Him and said to His disciples, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest” (Luke 9:48).
The Kingdom of God is not about position or status. Jesus taught that humility is at the forefront, and entrance into the Kingdom is not of our own achievements, but by the lowly position of simple faith in Him (which also constitutes the greatest in the Kingdom).
Let us not be prideful of our accomplishments while here on earth, but give the glory to God. And let us take the lowly position of childlike faith in accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and living for Him. Because it is the one who is least that becomes the greatest in His Kingdom.
— Loring Schultz
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