God's Kingdom Belongs to KidsSample

Day Two: Greatness in God’s Kingdom

A scene in Matthew’s Gospel opens with Jesus responding to a disturbing question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Now, that question is disturbing because Jesus is nearing the end of his life and he knows it. It is not time for small talk at this point, and he’s cutting to the heart. What do you think Jesus would be talking about the most at this point?

Two times in the previous chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus predicts his death and resurrection to his followers. He’s letting them know what is about to come. Knowing that he is about to hand the keys of the kingdom to his followers, Jesus is taking time to talk to them about suffering, but they are spending all of their time daydreaming about glory. What could Jesus do to turn the disciples’ thoughts around? 

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them” Jesus adds a visual aid to give power to the words he is about to speak. Jesus is a great teacher and knows a defining moment when he sees one. His response to their question must grip the hearts of his disciples. He gets their attention very clearly; before their eyes, the disciples see the very opposite of their idea of greatness. Children had no power, no rights, and no social status in the culture of Jesus’ day. And that is the point. This little child is the very antithesis of anything the disciples would use to describe greatness. 

Jesus wants us to learn that his kingdom will overturn our expectations. How do people usually become great in the world? We do it through power. Many of us spend our lives trying to build a resume of accomplishments and hope the things we do will define who we are. Maybe, to gain status, we carefully manage how others see us, relying on their approval to tell us our worth. When our competence is more than mere image, we might convince ourselves that we are perfectly sufficient in our independence. Why do we work so hard to prove our greatness and worth? 

Now, look at a kid who lacks any strategy or accomplishment; that could lead others to recognize greatness. That is what greatness looks like in the eyes of God. 

Reflection: What are you trying to hide when you manage people’s perception of you?  How does a child challenge your strategies for greatness? 

Prayer: “God, give me childlike humility that sets me free. I want to become great in your kingdom.”