Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom?

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Having seen Jesus' unique supernatural ministry (quite unique from what the Pharisees had, who were supposed to be solidly bible-base), and seeing that Jesus was no doubt genuinely from the Kingdom of heaven, they wondered about that Kingdom.

Photo above from Tom Fisk on Pexels.

Prior to this, Jesus discussed how sons and daughters of the King were "exempt" from the things that concerned the world, particularly paying taxes, but which wasn't really confined to taxes as the disciples saw in the life of Jesus. He was exempt from everything that the earthly were affected with---working for a living, medical and food expenses, money for evangelism crusades, money for church buildings and grand altars, worship programs, bible school, and seminary titles and degrees.

Seeing Jesus Makes You Go After Kingdom Greatness

Seeing all that in Jesus, they marveled at the Kingdom. Then they marveled at who was the greatest in his kingdom, aside from himself, of course. They amazed me when I was meditating on this one day. They were interested in who (and how) to be the greatest in the kingdom. Meeting and daily watching Jesus up close erases any interest in this world and makes you want to meet the standards of the kingdom and excel there, demolishing all interests in being great in this world.

You lose interest in any form of greatness in this world and in this life. 

It makes you wonder about those who want to build and maintain mega churches, mega church structures, mega membership and mega church income to be applauded in this world. You also wonder about those who are very particular about leadership trainings. I'm waiting for followership trainings, too. If you catch what the disciples saw in Jesus, you would give up everything, give to the poor, and "take the lowly position of a child." 

Give Up Everything

To be the greatest in the Kingdom, you have to give up everything you have. It's impossible to be Jesus' disciple without giving up everything you have. And there's no way you can be great in the kingdom if you're not a genuine disciple. All mega churches and denominations must then give up everything they have and give to the poor---give up all their properties, buildings, bank accounts, vehicles, and then give the proceeds to the poor. 

Luke 14.33: Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Luke 12:33: Jesus tells his disciples, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted..."

When Jesus said that anyone who "takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom," [Matthew 18], he was practically saying the greatest was those who gave up everything they had. The words, "lowly position," and "of this child," said it all. A little child has no possession except what he inherits from his father later. In the meantime, he has no interest in gaining wealth, possessions or positions in this world. 

A lot in church are still worldly, still running after the greatness and recognition they can have in this world. A lot are still unable to give up everything and give to the poor or unable to process that truth into their spirits. They still cannot see that the only thing worth pursuing in this life is to be among the greatest in the kingdom, a greatness which has nothing to do with what we achieve or possess or take pride in this world, especially in our earthly ministries. 

Take the Lowly Position

I don't know if church leaders today would like this idea. Jesus said, to be the greatest in the kingdom, you have to "take the lowly position of this child." You see that? TAKE THE LOWLY POSITION. That's never going to happen as long as church leaders are all aching to get titles and degrees to occupy top positions, and be leaders with big following, and be the boss. They enroll for theology degrees, pass exams and interviews for licenses, not so they can take lowly positions, be nobodies in the backgrounds just working quietly, and being almost invisible to people's recognition and appreciation. 

They want to be seen as great leaders.

And if you're the guy taking the lowly position of a child? They'd think you're weak, unable, lazy, or unspiritual because you've buried your talent in the ground. 


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