“For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48, NIV. Once again Jesus declares that his kingdom is an upside-down kingdom. Humans strive to be great in this life but our status in the kingdom of God is not dependent on our status in this world. God is not interested in our worldly status or even in our popularity among believers. Instead, it is the one who is least among us who will be the most important in the next age, they will be great in the kingdom of God.
In this passage Jesus was referring to children as being great. But based on his other teachings it appears that anyone who is willing to humble themselves like a child is great in the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:4). James says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10, NIV). This is very encouraging to those who have no status in this world, who do not receive much honor from others, and realize that before God we are only children. If you are willing to humble yourself like a child before others you can take heart that God considers you great in the kingdom, and that is the most important status anyone can have.
How motivated are you to be great in the kingdom of God? How will you change your attitude among others so that you are more humble like a child? What specific things can you do or say?
