Who Is The Greatest?

"Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, 'What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?' But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest." (1)

On the road through Galilee, Jesus had tried to prepare the minds of His disciples for what was about to happen. He told them, "The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day." (2) But the disciples did not understand Him and were afraid to ask Him questions regarding His betrayal and death. They could not comprehend His words. They did not believe that Jesus would actually die. The prophecies certainly foretold that He would be the King of Israel.

Although the shadow of a great foreboding fell on them, a spirit of rivalry found a place in their hearts. They disputed among themselves who should be the greatest in His kingdom. This strife they attempted to conceal from Jesus, however, He read their thoughts and planned to counsel and instruct them. He waited for their hearts to be open to receive His words.

After the journey, He sat down, called the disciples, and said to them, " 'If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.' Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them 'Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.' " (3) "Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me." (4)

At another time Jesus said, "He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (5) This is in line with the lesson Jesus taught during His last meal with His disciples. After washing their feet, He said, " 'Do you understand what I have done for you?' He asked. 'You call Me "Master" and "Lord", and rightly so, for that is what I am. Then if I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. I have set you an example: you are to do as I have done for you. In very truth I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger than the one who sent him. If you know this, happy are you if you act upon it." (6) Our mission is the same as Christ's, to serve one another as Jesus has served us.

1. Mark 9:33, 34.
2. Mark 9:31.
3. Mark 9:35-37.
4. Matthew 18:4.
5. Matthew 23:11, 12.
6. John 13:12-17, NEB.