Who is the greatest?

Well, Michael Jordan is the GOAT, of course. Not worth the debate right now.

“Who is the greatest,” a debate the disciples were having as they were walking down the road. The argument is not surprising. After all, this is the great debate that goes on in our minds each day without us knowing it. And, this debate naturally creates division.

We are born with this deficiency.

You really see it playing out with a group of young boys. Sit in a car very long with them, and you will hear random information of arrogance spewing out. You’ll hear about the incredible vacation they took, their sports prowess, the shot they made, the house they live in, the deer they killed, their families new car, how much their shoes cost, where they are going to college, what girl likes them, how good they are at the video game, etc. It is as if their brain goes into over-drive coming up with information that will make them look good in front of their peers. If it pops in their mind, out it comes. The most humble child turns into a conceited human worried about nothing but numero uno. And, the car is raging with division.

Now, the above description is about a group of young boys, call it 12-year-olds. But, this debate never ends in our life. It is as if the world has taken our deficiency and amplified a way for us to debate the question, “who is the greatest?”

For example, you are reading this blog on social media. Social media is a great place to carry the debate forward. Facebook and Instagram offer us a great pedestal. Scroll through the message feed. What do you see? Ever thought about why some post these messages (me included)?

Put social media in the hands of teenage girls, and the debate really rages. From sleepovers to trips to boyfriends to cars. Is it any wonder we have a mental health crisis on our hands? The quest to become the greatest makes it happen. Division rages.

Back to the disciples. They are debating the same question that is still debated today. But, the interesting thing is what transpired right before the debate.

“When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.” Matthew‬ ‭17:14-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The disciples had just witnessed Jesus pull a demon out of a young boy. An astounding miracle, right before their very eyes. A miracle that demanded one to be amazed, astounded, worshipful. I imagine the boy’s dad leaping for joy, falling at the feet of Christ. No doubt an emotional moment for all around.

But, at some point, the disciples begin arguing about who is the greatest.

“An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke‬ ‭9:46-48‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The last statement of Jesus changes the debate. “For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

When you read about the life of Jesus, you see a servant, one who was about other people. From feeding the multitudes to healing the sick to death on the cross, He was focused on others. He modeled a servant.

Imagine a young boy in the car, in the middle of the debate that flips his script to others. Congratulating, thanking, and complimenting others. Imagine that person that puts post after post on social media spotlighting others. Imagine a teenage girl out there living and serving others. We have seen it play out, and the people are a light in the darkness. In the words of Jesus, I think of these people as the greatest, the ones to be modeled. The servants of society. And, for the servant, their humility breeds unity, not division.

What if for one day we were 100% about others? Every conversation, every post, every act was done with others in mind. For that one day, maybe the debate would stop. Just as arrogance gains momentum, humility does also. And, humility creates unity.

Now, let me get back to my post. I just took this awesome trip over the holidays that I can’t wait to show you. You see, I am the world’s worst when it comes to the debate. Thank God for Christ.

Impact others. Live generously.

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