At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matt. 18:1). The disciples, sadly, were under the wrong impression. In view of the mother of James and John’s request that her sons be seated on Jesus’ right hand and his left when His kingdom was established (Matt. 20:20), we should understand here also that the question is for a list of who merited some great position in His kingdom. That the disciples would think any other way at this stage of their instruction would be a surprise indeed, given the narrative woven throughout the gospel accounts.

Thus follows an important object lesson, yet the rest of the chapter has much to say on the subject as well. Jesus takes a small child, sets him in their midst, and declares that unless we are converted and become as a little child, we won’t even enter the kingdom of heaven, much less be great in it. Many Bible lessons and sermons have been delivered expounding on the comparison. In this short space, suffice it to say that Jesus Himself then went on to clarify His meaning in the following verse: “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (18:4). Kingdom greatness then, is not about who outshines everyone else on the battle field, or in business, etc., but is exactly the opposite. It is about humility. Humility which thinks not about self, and how “I” appear in the eyes of others, but rather about serving, about the simple, unadulterated joy of being in the presence of the Father.

As Matthew 18 continues, kingdom greatness would do everything possible to avoid being a stumbling block to another’s faith, making sure we do not “despise one of the little ones” (18:5-11). Kingdom greatness, far from discouraging others from faithfulness, will drop everything to go after those who have wandered off, in order to bring them back, in order that none of “the little ones” perish (18:12-14). The chapter closes on the subject of forgiveness, and while the metaphor of being like a child is not mentioned, we cannot help but think of how quickly and completely a child forgives.

THIS is what greatness in God’s kingdom truly is!