Who Is the Greatest? A Question as Old as the Church Itself

 

Who Is the Greatest? A Question as Old as the Church Itself

"Who is the greatest?" This question isn't some modern-day church conundrum. It's a question as old as the New Testament church itself. Human nature being what it is, we've always been preoccupied with hierarchy, with figuring out who's "better," who's "more qualified," and ultimately, who should be in charge. We see this struggle play out vividly in the Gospels.

In Luke 9:46, we read a familiar scene: "An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest." It's a very human moment. The disciples, who had walked with Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard his teachings, were still caught up in the pursuit of status. They equated greatness with power, and power with leadership. They were vying for position in what they perceived to be an earthly kingdom.

Jesus' response, however, was unexpected, I am sure, He "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 9:47-48).

Imagine the impact of those words. The disciples, focused on their own ambitions and perceived greatness, were confronted with the image of a child – someone considered insignificant, powerless, and low in social status. Jesus turned their understanding of greatness on its head. True greatness, he said, wasn't about power or position. It was about humility, service, and welcoming the least among us. It was a direct challenge to their egos and their assumptions about leadership.

This wasn't a one-off lesson. Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of humility and service. He demonstrated it himself by washing his disciples' feet, a task typically performed by the lowest of servants. His leadership wasn't about wielding power; it was about empowering others.

Later in Scripture, we see that Jesus' vision for church leadership wasn't about a single individual at the top. Ephesians 4:11-16 paints a picture of a community, each with different gifts and roles, working together to build up the body of Christ:

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

This passage emphasizes the importance of diverse gifts and shared leadership. Jesus understood the power of community. He knew that the church would thrive not under the rule of one powerful individual, but through the collaborative efforts of many, each contributing their unique talents and abilities. The gifts listed here aren't just suggestions; they are foundational and necessary for a healthy, growing church.

The question of "who is the greatest?" continues to challenge us today. Do we still fall into the trap of equating greatness with power and position? Do we prioritize our own ambitions over the needs of others? Jesus' example and teachings offer a radical alternative. True greatness lies not in seeking dominance, but in embracing humility, serving others, and recognizing the inherent value of every individual, especially the "least" among us. It's a lesson the church has grappled with for centuries and one we must continually revisit if we're to truly reflect the heart of Christ.

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