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“…the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

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What qualifies one for greatness? For some the bar is set high. The Olympic games offer one definition as athletes compete for gold medals. Silver or bronze will not do. Winning gold equals greatness. 

For others it is fame. The bar is set low.  Our celebrity-mad society elevates people to positions of greatness for no other reason than they appear regularly on television and movie screens or have their music distributed widely.

For others wealth is the key qualification. I have seen otherwise normal, self respecting people descend into servile flattery, hanging on someone’s every word, for no other reason than the object of their adulation has lots of money. This sets the bar about as low as it can get.

Jesus also offers a qualification for greatness. But there is a caveat. This criteria for greatness has its’ basis not in this world but in God’s Kingdom. To be great is to become like a child. ‘Lowly’ is the word Jesus uses. 

The kingdom’s greatness is not seen in its’ capacity to give access to wealth and comfort. Nor does it take pride in glory and fame. The Kingdom’s greatness is made known in simplicity of faith, genuine cheerfulness, a lack of self-pity or bitterness, affection for people, and devotion to their well-being.  

I am thankful for the lowly, childlike ones whose greatness honors the kingdom of God. I have known but a few and do not count myself among them. I am also thankful that my falling short of the kingdom’s greatness does not disqualify me from receiving its’ benefits. For it was upon the cross that our Lord Jesus Christ revealed the true depths of the kingdom’s greatness when in lowliness and humility He gave Himself for sinners.

“May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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