In the Bible, the phrase “greatest of them” typically refers to someone who holds a position of significant authority or leadership, often in the context of religious or moral influence. For example, in Matthew 23:11, Jesus teaches that the greatest among His followers should be a servant to others, highlighting humility as a key virtue.
Scripture
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them
3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Meaning of “Greatest of Them” in the Bible
The phrase “greatest of them” in the Bible conveys a profound understanding of true greatness that subverts conventional notions of power and authority. In Matthew 23:11, Jesus teaches, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” This passage underscores the ethos of servanthood, suggesting that true greatness is derived not from exalted status, but from selfless service to others. This idea is echoed in Mark 9:35, where Jesus states, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Such teachings challenge the norms of leadership, calling for a radical redefinition of what it means to be ‘great’ in God’s kingdom.
Moreover, the concept of greatness is rooted in the imitation of Christ, who exemplified ultimate humility and sacrifice. In Philippians 2:5-7, Paul urges believers to adopt the mindset of Christ, who, though being in the form of God, “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.” This motif of servant leadership informs Christian practice and community life, suggesting that those who seek to be esteemed in the eyes of God must embrace lowliness and a commitment to the wellbeing of others. As such, “greatest of them” becomes a transformative call to all believers, instilling an ethic of humility and service as the pathway to divine greatness.
The theme of greatness as characterized by humility and service is echoed throughout the scriptures, reinforcing the notion that those who are considered “greatest” in God’s eyes often occupy the lowest positions in human terms. For instance, in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the true ‘neighbor’ who shows love and mercy is portrayed as one who goes out of his way to help those in need, contrasting with religious leaders who prioritize their status over compassion. Here, greatness is recognized not in one’s religious accolades, but in the willingness to aid the suffering and marginalized, illustrating a radical reconfiguration of societal values.
Similarly, in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), Jesus speaks to a different kind of greatness, one that is associated with poverty of spirit, mourning, and humility. The beatitudes suggest that those who experience suffering, meekness, and persecution are blessed and honored by God. This presents a powerful contradiction to worldly measures of success, emphasizing that the “greatest” are often those who endure trials, embody mercy, and strive for peace. This biblical narrative invites believers to reconsider their aspirations for greatness, aligning them with the attitudes that Jesus exemplifies—revealing that the true essence of being “greatest of them” lies in one’s attitude and actions toward those who seem least in the eyes of society.
Humility and Servanthood
The phrase “greatest of them” often emphasizes the importance of humility and the call to serve others. In biblical teachings, true greatness is not measured by power, status, or wealth, but by one’s willingness to serve and uplift those around them. This concept challenges societal norms that equate greatness with dominance, instead presenting a model where the greatest individuals are those who prioritize the needs of others and embody a spirit of selflessness.
The Kingdom of God
In the context of the Kingdom of God, “greatest of them” signifies a radical redefinition of greatness. The biblical narrative often portrays the Kingdom as a place where the last shall be first, and the least among us hold significant value. This perspective invites believers to reconsider their understanding of success and influence, suggesting that in God’s eyes, true greatness is found in love, compassion, and the pursuit of justice for the marginalized.
Leadership and Influence
The concept of being the “greatest of them” also relates to the nature of leadership within the Christian community. Biblical leaders are called to exemplify qualities such as integrity, wisdom, and a servant’s heart. This understanding of leadership contrasts sharply with secular views that often prioritize authority and control. Instead, the greatest leaders in a biblical sense are those who inspire others through their actions and character, fostering an environment of mutual respect and encouragement.
How to Lead with Humility and Serve Others Faithfully
Leading with humility and serving others faithfully is at the heart of what it means to follow Christ. Remember, Jesus Himself washed the feet of His disciples, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in service and love. To embody this in your daily life, start by listening more than you speak; seek to understand the needs and struggles of those around you. Approach every interaction with a heart of compassion, recognizing that everyone has their own battles. It’s also essential to be open to feedback and willing to learn from others, regardless of their status or experience. When you serve, do so not for recognition or reward, but out of genuine love and a desire to uplift others. By embracing this mindset, you not only reflect Christ’s character but also inspire those around you to do the same, creating a community grounded in humility and mutual support.
Bible References to “Greatest of Them”:
Matthew 20:25-28: 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave—
28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 9:33-37: 33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them,
37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
Mark 10:42-45: 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Luke 9:46-48: 46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.
47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side
48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Luke 22:24-27: 24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.
25 And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.
John 13:12-17: 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you?
13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29: 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,
29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
Philippians 2:3-8: 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
1 Peter 5:1-4: 5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.