Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 5: Revealing the King
5.3 — The Greatest in the Kingdom
5.3 — The Greatest in the Kingdom: Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in humility, faith, and service.
5.3 — The Greatest in the Kingdom
Greatness Looks Different in God’s Kingdom
The disciples had been following Jesus for many months.
They had witnessed miracles.
They had heard His teaching.
They had watched Him reveal His glory on the mountain.
Yet they still struggled with a question many people ask:
Who is the greatest?
Like many people in every generation, the disciples sometimes thought about status, importance, and recognition.
They wanted to know who would have the highest place in God’s Kingdom.
Jesus responded in a surprising way.
Instead of pointing to power, influence, or achievement, He pointed to humility.
Instead of exalting the strongest, He honored the servant.
Instead of praising pride, He praised childlike faith.
This lesson reveals one of the most important truths about discipleship:
God’s definition of greatness is very different from the world’s.
Scripture References
Matthew 18:1–14
Mark 9:33–37
Luke 9:46–48
Philippians 2:1–11
James 4:6–10
The Story
While traveling together, the disciples began discussing which of them was the greatest.
When they arrived, Jesus asked what they had been talking about.
The disciples became quiet.
They knew their discussion reflected worldly thinking rather than God’s priorities.
Jesus then called a child and placed the child in their midst.
He said:
“Unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus was not encouraging childish behavior.
He was teaching humility, trust, dependence upon God, and a willingness to learn.
He explained that the greatest person in God’s Kingdom is the one who humbles himself.
Jesus also taught that welcoming a child in His name was the same as welcoming Him.
The lesson challenged the disciples to rethink everything they believed about greatness.
Understanding the Story
Why Were the Disciples Arguing?
The disciples understood that Jesus was the Messiah.
They also believed His Kingdom was coming.
Like many people in first-century Israel, they expected positions of honor and authority.
Their discussion revealed that they still misunderstood the nature of God’s Kingdom.
Why Did Jesus Use a Child?
Children in the ancient world were loved and valued, but they held little social status or authority.
Jesus used a child as an example of humility and dependence.
The lesson was about attitude, not age.
Why Is Humility So Important?
Humility allows people to recognize their need for God.
Pride focuses attention on self.
Humility focuses attention on God and others.
Understanding Jesus
Children in the Time of Jesus
In modern society, children are often placed at the center of attention.
In the first century, children had far less status and influence.
Jesus shocked His listeners by using a child as an example of greatness.
His teaching turned cultural expectations upside down.
What Is Humility?
Humility is not thinking less of yourself.
It is thinking of yourself less often.
Humility recognizes that everything we have ultimately comes from God.
It creates room for gratitude, service, and love.
Why Does Jesus Value Servants?
Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently elevated people whom society often overlooked.
The Kingdom of God values faithfulness, compassion, and service more than power and prestige.
Old Testament Connections
The Old Testament repeatedly teaches that God honors the humble.
Moses is described as one of the most humble men on earth.
David began as a shepherd before becoming king.
The prophets frequently warned against pride.
God often works through people the world considers unlikely.
Jesus continues this theme throughout His ministry.
Missing Context Check
Was Jesus Saying Adults Should Become Childish?
No.
Jesus was speaking about humility, trust, and dependence upon God.
He was not encouraging immaturity.
Does God Oppose Success?
No.
The Bible does not condemn success, leadership, or achievement.
The issue is pride.
God calls people to use their gifts faithfully while remaining humble.
Why Is Humility Difficult?
Human nature often seeks recognition, praise, and status.
Humility requires trusting God’s evaluation rather than constantly seeking the approval of others.
A Deeper Look: The Servant King
Jesus did not simply teach humility.
He lived it.
Although He was the Son of God, He served others.
He washed the disciples’ feet.
He welcomed the overlooked.
He gave His life on the cross.
The disciples were learning that true greatness is found in becoming more like Jesus.
This lesson connects closely to:
This Lesson Connects To
This lesson builds on Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith — 4.8 Peter’s Great Confession, where the disciples recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith — 4.9 Counting the Cost of Following Jesus, where Jesus taught that true discipleship requires surrender and commitment.
It also prepares readers for Season 5: Revealing the King — 5.9 Servant Leadership, where Jesus further explains that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found through serving others.
The themes of humility, discipleship, and spiritual growth also connect with the Christian Living pages Discipleship in the UMC, The Call, Go Deeper, Spiritual Gifts, and Spiritual Disciplines.
Key Themes
Greatness Begins With Humility
God’s Kingdom measures greatness differently than the world.
Children Teach Important Lessons
Dependence, trust, and humility are qualities God values.
Pride Creates Obstacles
Humility opens the door to spiritual growth.
Jesus Is the Model
The greatest example of humility is Jesus Himself.
Why This Lesson Matters
Modern culture often encourages people to seek status, recognition, and personal success.
Jesus offers a different path.
He teaches that greatness comes through humility, service, and faithfulness.
This lesson challenges believers to examine their motives and priorities.
It reminds Christians that God’s Kingdom values character more than position.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Humble King.
The Servant Leader.
The Teacher of God’s Kingdom.
The Perfect Example of Humility.
Jesus shows that true greatness is found not in being served but in serving others.
Living the Message
This week:
Look for a way to serve someone without seeking recognition.
Thank God for the gifts and opportunities He has given you.
Practice listening more than speaking.
Encourage someone who may feel overlooked or unimportant.
Ask God to develop humility in your heart.
Reflection Questions
Why were the disciples arguing about greatness?
Possible answers:
They still viewed greatness through the lens of status and position.
Why did Jesus place a child before them?
Possible answers:
To teach humility, trust, and dependence upon God.
What is biblical humility?
Possible answers:
Recognizing our need for God and valuing others above ourselves.
How does God’s view of greatness differ from the world’s?
Possible answers:
God values humility, service, and faithfulness more than status and power.
How did Jesus model humility?
Possible answers:
Through service, compassion, sacrifice, and obedience to the Father.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus taught that the greatest in God’s Kingdom are those who humble themselves.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus modeled humility and taught the values of God’s Kingdom.
Obedience in Action
Serve someone this week without expecting recognition.
Walk It Out
Ask God to help you measure success by faithfulness rather than status.
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
The disciples wanted to know who was the greatest.
Jesus pointed to a child.
And in doing so, He showed that greatness in God’s Kingdom begins with humility.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
