Who is the greatest?

How would you define greatness? What do you look for in a “great” person? Heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali was famous for his personal affirmation “I am the greatest”. It was one of the ways that he used to “psych out” his opponents before a fight. Nearly two thousand years earlier, Jesus was asked this question related to greatness:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"” (Matthew 18:1)

They were on their way with Jesus to Jerusalem. They expected that when he arrived in the capital he would stage a revolution and overthrow the Roman invaders. Their question was a “loaded” one. They hoped that he would tell them who would be appointed as his key advisors in a government (“kingdom”).

Jesus answer surprised them,

“He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4)

Instead of answering in terms of politics and power he put a little child in front of them. His message was – “change and become like a child”, “humble yourself”.

I thought about these verses after visiting our new pre-K facility last week. It was about three o’clock in the afternoon. A little child was asleep in the corner, unaware of the noise going on around him. Such trust and innocence struck me. I also envied the fact that he was able to have an afternoon nap! Little children are full of the joy of life. They are open, honest, and vulnerable. These are some of the qualities Jesus says we need, to be great in God’s kingdom. He continues by encouraging us to welcome children as if we were welcoming him.

Finally, Jesus warns those who cause little children to sin that they will be judged harshly by him. (Matthew 18:5-6) This is a challenging word as our nation reflects on the Government’s recent apology to aboriginal people. Ultimately, policies related to the “Stolen Generation”, aboriginal health care, life expectancy etc. are matters which have had and still have a huge impact on children. Beyond the word “Sorry” is the challenge to welcome and care for the children in our society as Jesus would.