Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Last updated on: July 5, 2019 at 4:29 am by Paul Bane

Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? 2019-07-05T04:29:23-06:00 Paul Bane

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

My closest friends were arguing who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. John and James even dared to ask if they would be able to sit on my right or left hand when I entered my kingdom. This discussion occurred more than once, and one day there were a gathering of children, and I had a child sit with me. I shared with them anyone who welcomes a child and humbles themselves like a little child welcomes me and becomes the greatest in the kingdom of God.

My disciples had lived with me for three years but were still without a clue to the nature of my kingdom. It is no different today because no matter how much I teach or emphasize loving and serving others my followers don’t comprehend it. There are times they recognized me like Peter when I asked him who do you say that I am, and he said you are the Christ, the son of the living God. However, much of the time unless they are in trouble, they take their eyes off me and focus their eyes on themselves.

Instead of centering their heart and lives on me they seek for others to admire and idolize them. They strive to impress people who couldn’t care less about what they have done or accomplished. They are like John and James and want to believe they are more deserving than anyone else for an exalted position in my kingdom. (A God Centered instead of a Self-Centered dialogue with God)

I told another story as an example of an earthly king that rules over his kingdom and makes those in his country serve him at his table. The greatest in my kingdom, however, are the ones who help and serve those seated at the table. I taught the one that is least among you is the greatest one among you. If you want to be great in my domain, you must be a servant of all. I did not come for others to serve me but to give my life as a ransom for many.

Let’s be honest no one in their natural mind wants to follow me to the cross and give up control over their life. My kingdom is an upside-down kingdom where you become powerless to discover real power. The cross is a symbol of a brokenness not strength one of loss not winning and without the hope of the resurrection represents a horrible defeat, not victory. (We are all broken, and that’s Alright)

However, when you identify with the least of these who can never offer you anything in return, you identify with me. Learn to humble yourself and to serve others, and you will be among the greatest in my kingdom.

Scripture:

But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. And 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 whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.” Luke 9: 47-48 BSB

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 BSB

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 BSB
Image via Pixabay

Sojourners

ChristianityToday

CAC

Uncategorized

A God Centered instead of a Self-Centered dialogue with God

we are all broken and thats alright

Previous Post

February 9, 2019

I am Present with You every Moment of the Day

Next Post

February 17, 2019 You will be Perfect as your Heavenly Father is Perfect

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Christian Life Contemplation Contemplative Prayer Grief and Loss Mindfulness Recent Posts Suffering Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2014 September 2014

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz