8/22/25 What Does It Mean to Be Great?

Takeaway: The world defines greatness through power and authority, but Jesus defines it through service and sacrifice.

Opening Prayer (Friday)

God, as this week comes to a close, I ask for endurance to finish strong. Keep my heart steadfast, my mind focused on You, and my spirit at peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

Greatness is one of those ideas that everyone seems to chase but few can truly define. In our world, greatness is often associated with power, achievement, recognition, and influence. It’s the person who climbs the corporate ladder, has a large following, or possesses wealth and fame. The higher you rise and the more people you have under you, the greater you are, in our world. But when Jesus speaks to His disciples, He flips this entire paradigm upside down. They had been arguing about who among them was the greatest, and Jesus gently, but firmly, rebukes their ambition. He points to the rulers of the Gentiles, who “lord it over” others and wield authority to assert dominance. Then He says something radical: “Not so with you.”

Jesus redefines greatness not by how many people serve you, but by how many people you serve. True greatness, in the Kingdom of God, is not about being seen, but about seeing the needs of others. It’s, also, not about having your way, but about yielding your rights for the sake of someone else. The greatest among you, Jesus says, is the servant of all. This is not a theoretical or symbolic teaching, Jesus lived it. He stooped to wash feet. He touched lepers. He welcomed children. He sat with sinners. And ultimately, He stretched out His arms on a cross.

This is the path laid out of greatness. It’s not glamorous. It often goes unnoticed. It may even seem foolish to a world obsessed with visibility and influence. But it is the way of the Kingdom. Greatness in God’s eyes is measured not by how high you rise, but by your willingness to go to love others. It’s measured by humility, by sacrifice, by generosity and the quiet faithfulness of striving for the good of someone else.

If we truly want to be great, we must first be willing to be last. We must be willing to serve, not for applause, but out of love. Because when we do, we are not just imitating Jesus, we are living in His Kingdom. A Kingdom where the least are lifted up, the humble are exalted, and greatness is measured not by what you gain, but by what you give. And in the end, Jesus promises that those who follow Him in this way will not lose their reward. They may not be great in the eyes of the world, but they will be great in the eyes of God. “Not so with you.” These four words remain a challenge to every disciple of Jesus. Will we follow the world’s path to greatness or His?

Questions

How has your understanding of greatness been shaped by the world around you?

What would it look like for you to actively choose humility and sacrifice this week?

Application

Take time to intentionally serve someone without seeking recognition or reward. Look for an opportunity to meet a need, carry a burden, or lift someone up. It could be a quiet act of encouragement, or a willingness to yield your opinion in a difficult conversation. Let this act be your response to Jesus’ call to a different kind of greatness.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, You showed us what true greatness looks like, not through power, but through humility, love, and service. Teach me to follow Your example. Help me to lay down my pride, and my desire to be noticed. Give me the heart of a servant, and the eyes to see others the way You do. May I live not for applause, but in faithful love for You and those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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