A Study Of Kingdom Greatness
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11 (KJV)
Jesus made a profound statement. He called John the Baptist the greatest of those who had gone before. However, He went on to say that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (John the Baptist). Let’s break this down.
John the Baptist operated under the Old Covenant and was not born-again. New Covenant believers have a new and better covenant with better promises based on Jesus’ shed blood and sacrifice. That which Jesus accomplished for New Testament believers made us greater in benefits, power, etc. Therefore, even the least of us who belong to the Lord under the New Covenant are greater than those under the Old Covenant.
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Matthew 18:1-5 (KJV)
To become great, we must become like little children. To enter the kingdom, we must be humble like little children. We get born-again, then we humble ourselves like children, letting God promote us. The humble are the ones that God can promote.
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:24-30 (KJV)
Don’t have strife and competition over who can be the greatest. Rather, be as those who put others first. The chiefest should serve. The way up is down. Don’t seek to be great, but to serve. Jesus came to serve and to show us an example of true greatness. If we seek to serve, we will be promoted to honor. We’ll sit with Jesus. True greatness is not only what we do outwardly, but who we become inwardly. True greatness is being with Jesus, seated with Him.
