The Kingdom Key of Least & Greatest

The Kingdom Key of Least & Greatest

READ | Matthew 23:1-12 “Whosoever is humble will be exalted and whosoever engages

in self-exaltation will be humbled (Matthew 23:12).”

Although Jesus respected titles and positions of honor, he knew that they were not the true evidence of greatness. In the world, greatness is about titles, positions, education, achievements, accolades, and wealth. In the Kingdom, greatness is about service. The greatest honor that we can receive in the Kingdom is an opportunity to serve and help others.

His view of greatness was so different from the perspective of the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, chief priests, and elders of his day. The Jewish leaders, the Church of Jesus’ day, based greatness on strict observance of the Law. They critiqued Jesus for extending grace and mercy to the woman who was caught in adultery. They wanted him to participate in stoning her to death (John 8:1-11). They even criticized him for healing people on the Sabbath and for allowing his disciples to eat with unwashed hands (Luke 13:14, Matthew 15:1-20).

Jesus even promised that if we attempt to exalt ourselves through titles, positions, and self-righteousness that we will be humbled. He stood on the truth that if we humble ourselves through serving that we will be exalted. As we follow Jesus and walk in his footsteps, our view of greatness will greatly differ from the popular perspective of the world and the Church.


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