Articles
Important Questions - 3
“Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)
Men have an insatiable need to rank others according to irrelevant standards. Relative worth is assigned to beauty, athleticism, wealth, etc. Many are even preoccupied with ranking animals (fastest horse; fluffiest dog) or inanimate objects (tallest building; biggest airplane). Preseason rankings, championship standings and poll numbers dominate conversation.
Mark tells that the disciples had been bickering over elite positions in the kingdom (Mk 9:33-34). Their squabble revealed obliviousness to Jesus’ coming death as well as ignorance of the spiritual nature of His kingdom.
With admirable restraint, Jesus answered them with an appeal to childlike humility (Mt 18:3-5). In Jesus’ day children had no social standing and were completely dependent upon their parents for protection and sustenance. Likewise, before God, no man has any claim on greatness. We are all equals in sin.
“To esteem ourselves as God esteems us, is humility. And it cannot be degrading to think of ourselves as we are. But pride, or an attempt to be thought of more importance than we are, is foolish, wicked, and degrading” (Barnes’ Notes, p. 82). The correct answer to the disciples’ question is: “the King.”
