Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company. Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.
We
cannot help but ask: Why did the disciples argue about who among them was the
greatest? Perhaps they got carried away by the privilege of being with Jesus.
Perhaps they began to think that their closeness to Him made them more important
than others. In their desire for recognition, they became preoccupied with
their own importance and forgot that they were in the presence of their Lord
and Master.
Jesus
knew what was in their hearts. He knew their desire for recognition and greatness.
So, He took a child, placed the child beside Him, and said to them, “Whoever
receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives
the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who
is the greatest.”
Least
in what aspect? Least in promoting ourselves. Least in feeding our egos. Least
in seeking recognition and praise. Jesus was teaching His disciples—and He
continues to teach us—that true greatness is not about being noticed, admired,
or elevated above others. True greatness is found in humility and selfless
service.
It
is indeed tempting to use our association with Jesus to enhance our self-image.
We may serve in our churches, ministries, communities, or families, yet we can
sometimes fall into the temptation of wanting to be recognized for what we do.
We may begin to seek praise rather than God's glory, recognition rather than
humble service, and popularity rather than faithfulness.
But
let us have a reality check: this is not what Jesus wants us to become. Jesus
desires all of us to embrace humility and to serve with sincere and generous
hearts. He does not call us to compete with one another for greatness. He calls
us to love one another, serve one another, and become less so that He may
become greater in our lives.
For
Jesus, true greatness is found in those who humbly give their time, talents,
strength, and resources to serve Him and others without seeking applause. The
person who quietly serves, forgives, helps, encourages, and loves without expecting
recognition may be unnoticed by the world, but never unnoticed by Jesus.
If
we give our time to Jesus, no matter how little, as long as we give it with all
our hearts, it becomes precious in His eyes. If we serve Him without the desire
to boast, gain recognition, or become popular, we are already walking the path
of true greatness.
Let
us therefore examine our hearts. Why do we serve? Why do we volunteer? Why do
we participate in ministry? Why do we do good things? Is it because we truly
love Jesus, or because we want others to see and appreciate what we do?
May
we learn from the little child whom Jesus placed before His disciples. May we
embrace the humility, simplicity, and openness that Jesus desires from us. May
our service never become a way of lifting ourselves up, but a way of lifting
others up. And may everything we do lead us closer to the heart of Christ.
For
in the eyes of Jesus, greatness is not measured by how many people know our
name, how much we have accomplished, or how important we appear to be.
Greatness is measured by how faithfully and humbly we love and serve.
When Jesus looks into our hearts today, what will He find: a
desire to be recognized as great, or a humble heart that simply wants to love,
serve, and remain faithful to Him even when no one is watching?—Marino J.
Dasmarinas
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