Who is the greatest?

Estimated Reading time: 5 minutes · Written by Nathanael Ballew

In Matthew 18:1-5, the disciples asked Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Their question reflected a common human desire: the pursuit of greatness. We all want to be important, significant, and valued. Yet, Jesus' answer was radically different from what they expected.

At this moment, if we look at Luke 9, the disciples had been arguing among themselves about who would hold the highest position in Jesus' kingdom. They likely envisioned roles of power, authority, and influence. Some may have pointed to their own loyalty or sacrifices, while others may have cited their skills or closeness to Jesus. Their discussion was rooted in worldly ambition, but Jesus saw an opportunity to teach them a deeper truth about the nature of His kingdom.

Instead of pointing to a powerful leader or a wise scholar, Jesus placed a child before them and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement shattered conventional ideas of greatness. Rather than strength, intelligence, or status, Jesus highlighted humility and childlike faith as the true markers of greatness in His kingdom.

The humility of a child

Children possess a unique humility. They are not concerned with titles, achievements, or social hierarchies. They depend on their parents, trust without reservation, and are eager to learn. Jesus calls us to embody that same humility—an openness to being led, taught, and moulded by God.

The world teaches us to assert ourselves, build our personal brands, and climb the ladder of success. But Jesus invites us to take a different path: to relinquish our self-importance, admit our need for Him, and embrace a posture of humility. The kingdom of heaven does not belong to the self-sufficient but to those who acknowledge their dependence on God.

Embracing the mystery of faith

Another defining characteristic of children is their ability to embrace mystery. They do not demand exhaustive explanations for everything. A child can hear a bedtime story filled with wonder and simply delight in it, without questioning every detail. Jesus calls us to adopt a similar attitude in our faith.

As adults, we often struggle with doubt, skepticism, and the desire to have all the answers. But faith requires trust even when we do not understand everything. The apostle Paul echoed this in 1 Corinthians 13:12, reminding us that we see only in part now, but one day, we will understand fully. A childlike faith does not mean blind belief; it means trusting in God’s goodness even when life does not make sense.

The power of teachability

NBA legend Michael Jordan once said, "One of my greatest strengths was being teachable." This mindset is crucial in sports, business, and personal growth—but even more so in our spiritual lives. A teachable heart is one that remains open to correction, instruction, and transformation.

Jesus’ call to be childlike is an invitation to cultivate teachability. When we think we have it all figured out, we stop growing. But when we approach God with the humility of a child, we allow Him to shape us, correct us, and lead us into deeper wisdom.

Welcoming others with open arms

In Matthew 18:5, Jesus says, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." This verse extends beyond literal children—it applies to anyone who approaches faith with childlike humility and trust. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace those who are seeking, questioning, and learning, just as Jesus embraced us in our own journey.

The kingdom of heaven is not about competition, power, or personal achievement. It is about love, humility, and dependence on God. By becoming like children—trusting, humble, and teachable—we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus.

How do we respond?

The disciples sought greatness, but Jesus redefined it entirely. True greatness in the kingdom is found in humility, faith, and an open heart. As we strive to follow Christ, may we lay aside our pride and self-sufficiency and embrace the simple, beautiful trust of a child. In doing so, we will not only enter the kingdom of heaven but also experience the joy and freedom that comes with a faith that rests securely in our Father’s hands.

The original teaching has been edited for clarity and brevity; This is not a transcript.