What Is Considered Greatness in God's Eyes?

Mark 10:42-45: "Jesus called them (the disciples) together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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.'"


In a day in which people measure greatness in terms of advancement, acumen, and affluency, we who have surrendered ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ would do well to be reminded that greatness in God's eyes has everything to do with love and servitude towards others.

In the above mentioned passage, the disciples had been bickering amongst themselves as to whom was the greatest; in fact, John and James had secretly petitioned Jesus to permit them the distinguished honor of sitting on either side of His glorious, exalted throne in heaven. They were rather brazen in their request in that they first asked Jesus to answer whatever they asked, without qualifying what the request was. One has to wonder if these sons of Zebedee were aware of the egregious arrogance of their petition even before they asked it of Jesus, for they seemed to use some deception to get Jesus to agree to their demand even before He knew what it was.

Of course, Jesus would not be fooled by their trickery, and He specifically asked what it was that they wanted Him to do for them. When their quest for personal veneration was exposed, Jesus questioned them if they could drink of the cup that He drank and if they would be baptized with the baptism He had received. Many have speculated as to what Jesus was referring when He used terms like "cup" and "baptism," but in light of Jesus' reference to the cup of suffering and crucifixion from which He would drink (see Mark 14:36), one convincingly can conclude that Jesus had in mind persecution for the cause of redeeming mankind. This certainly is the reference that Jesus uses for greatness in Mark 10:45; for we see that His purpose for coming into the world was not to be exalted by His creation, but to serve them by offering His life as a ransom for their sins.

What is amazing is the tension that James and John's request introduced among the disciples, for the rest of the twelve became rather indignant at such a pompous request. Of course, the other disciples were hoping for the very same blessing, and they were likely angered that they had not asked this of Jesus sooner. Jesus, knowing the arrogant disposition of His disciples, used this episode as an opportunity to teach His disciples that greatness to the Lord is not measured in personal accolades but in a spirit that is willing to put others first . . . loving and serving them with no expectation in return. Jesus informed His disciples that the places of honor in heaven were not being prepared for those who were exalting themselves on earth; rather, these places were being held for those who were willing to serve others before oneself.

Of course, the disciples did not learn the significance of Jesus' teaching here, for later in the Upper Room in Jerusalem they would continue their arguments as to whom was the greatest (see Luke 22:24). Rather than rebuking His disciples, Jesus took the opportunity to teach them of the importance of servitude by washing their feet. As the Messiah took off his outer garment and tied a towel around his waist to wash their feet, He told them, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." After Jesus completed this incredible teaching illustration, He told them, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, YOU also should wash one another's feet . . . you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:14,17).

There is a tremendous word of direction from our Lord in these referenced passages. As true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need to forsake the world's quest for personal exaltation as the expense of others. We need to be counter cultural by seeking the benefit of others over our very selves, just as the Messiah demonstrated when He came into the world. Jesus has informed us that we will be blessed if we follow this command; let us not miss out on the Divine blessings that come from obedience to our Lord.