Fourth Discourse in Matthew: True Greatness

The fourth discourse centers on the community centered on Christ


At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. ~ Matthew 18:1-5

A great (hu)man is always willing to be little. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The higher we are placed, the more humbly we should walk. ~ Cicero

“Harry - you're a great wizard, you know." 
"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.
"Me!" said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things - friendship and bravery and - oh Harry - be careful!” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone


What would Jesus make of the statement, "Make America Great Again?"

Or, "I am the Greatest?"

What does it mean to truly become great?

There is no doubt that Jesus' disciples - as well as most of the people of Judah - were looking for Jesus to "Make Israel Great Again!" Throw off the Roman bonds. Become the great military power that they were under David and Solomon.

But Jesus wasn't interested in that. That kind of greatness makes us miss what the Kingdom of Heaven is all about.

By the end of the first book of Harry Potter, it is clear that the little 11-year-old wizard is the great one. This child is the one that the evil Voldemort needs to fear.

His greatness comes in part from his humble beginnings. It comes from his friendships and loyalty. It comes from his not wanting to use greatness as power.

The greatness of the world might win some battles, but in the end, true greatness comes from something else. And without some humility and the gentleness and awe of a child, we are likely to miss it.


Meditation: Spend some moments thinking of where greatness has been misused, and where the gentle greatness of Jesus has shown.




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