Who is the Greatest?

 

 

“Whoever humbles himself like this child 

is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

 (Matthew 18:4)

Revelation

Humility is the key to greatness. By recognizing our limitations and valuing the contributions of others, we open ourselves up to growth and wisdom. True greatness is achieved not through arrogance, but through a humble spirit that seeks to learn and serve.

Humble means having or showing a modest estimate of one's value or importance; not arrogant or self-important. It is similar to meek, respectful, submissive, unassertive, unpressuming, unassuming, and modest.

Reflection

Reflecting on this passage today, we are reminded to approach life with humility and simplicity, recognizing our dependence on God's love and grace. Jesus invites us to embrace a childlike spirit—free from pride, open to learning, and compassionate toward others, especially the most vulnerable. Let us ask ourselves: How can we honor and protect the dignity of those society overlooks, and how can we nurture a humble heart that reflects the kingdom values Jesus describes?

Response

Dear Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and awe, for the gift of determination that You have placed within us all. Help us to embrace this virtue with the purity and strength of a child, to face each day with unwavering faith and a spirit undefiled. Grant us the courage to pursue our dreams with steadfast resolve, to overcome every obstacle, knowing that in You, all problems dissolve. May we walk in Your light, guided by Your love and grace, with determination that reflects Your enduring embrace. Teach us to trust in Your plan, even when the path is unclear, to hold onto hope and banish every fear. Fill our hearts with the fire of Your Spirit, burning bright, so we may shine as beacons of Your love and light.

Lord, grant us the strength to persevere through challenges and the courage to keep going when things get tough. Help us to trust in Your plan and to remain steadfast in our efforts, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Let our determination be rooted in humility and compassion, to serve others with joy and passion. May we always seek Your will in all we do, and find our strength and purpose in You. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

WHO IS THE GREATEST?

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM
Matthew 18:1-14
 

1 At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 He called a child over, places it in their midst, 3 and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.  

Whoever becomes humble like this child 

is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew 18:4

5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM
Mark 9:33-37

33 They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 

“If anyone wishes to be first,  

he shall be the last of all 

and the servant of all.”  

Mark 9:35

36 Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, 37
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

PRAYER

Lord, no one is great except you alone who made me who I am and what I am today. Thank you so much for the great outpouring of your blessings.

Like a child, I am fully dependent upon your grace. Grace that sustains me and makes me grow each day. Without you, I am nothing. Truly, there is nothing that I can boast of that does not belong to you. What you give, you can easily take at any given moment.

Please forgive me for having sinned out of pride and selfishness. Keep your servant's heart burning in me so that I may find joy and gladness in being your instrument to uplift the lives of the poor. May I continue to enjoy the peace and love that you bring.

With much praise, thanksgiving, and humility of heart I pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:
July 04, 2015, 9:41 AM
August 13, 2013 - 6:50 AM
September 23, 2012-7:26 AM

ABOVE ALL

He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace. (Micah 5:3-4)

He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth belongs to the earth, and of the earth he speaks; he who comes from heaven is above all. (John 3:31)

The reason why we worry too much in a lot of things is because we usually loose our sight on the awesome powers of our Lord Jesus Christ. The truth is, "He is above all and only in Him can you ever be at peace". All you need to do is be still and know that He is God.

Jesus will calm the storms in your life

Be still and know that He is God

Jesus shall provide you with an abundant catch

Be still and know that He is God

Jesus shall multiply whatever bread and fish you have

Be still and know that He is God

Jesus will heal you of your sickness and brokenness

Be still and know that He is God

Jesus will make your life full and complete

Be still and know that He is God

Lord Jesus, you are above all! In your mighty name, I surrender all my cares and worries. I will be still and know that you are my God who will do everything so that I may have peace.

 Published:
 September 28, 2015, 6:31 AM

THE LEAST IS THE ONE WHO IS GREAT

"He who is least among you all is the one who is great."

Luke 9:48

Before the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God already foretold of His coming as the Messiah through whom, God will restore the whole nation of Israel.

Ironically, God chose the birth of our Lord to take place in a small town of Bethlehem. As it is written in Micah 5:1-2 the Lord said, "You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. (Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, and the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel).

With humble origin, as God declared, "He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God; and they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace (Mi 5:3-4).

Jesus Christ is the best example of being the greatest man who had ever lived in the face of the earth. Although he was born in a small town of Bethlehem and lived out His ministry without a roof over his head, he became the Ruler and Savior of the world. Today, His greatness have far reached the ends of the earth.

Following the examples and teachings of the Lord, the big question is, "What can truly make a man Great?"

In Luke 9:48 the Lord said, "He who is least among you all is the one who is great".


St Paul said, "I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands.When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things.I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Friend, you may be a small player competing with the giants but with the Lord, you can win over them an be far greater than them. They may be too strong for you but they are no match for the strength of the Lord that is in you. They may cause you trouble but you will always be at peace with the Lord. Stand firm for God is with you all the way.

1 Corinthians 4: 9 - 15

Published:
September 08, 2014, 11:19 AM
September 04, 2010 , 5:31AM

Do and Teach the Word of God

"He who does them and teaches them 

shall be called great 

in the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:19

"Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17).

He declares his word, his statutes and ordinances (Psalm 147:19).  He sends forth his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. (Psalm 147:15).

"For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18).

Give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live (Deuteronomy 4:1).  Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding  (Deuteronomy 4:5).

Take heed, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children's children  (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Nothing but self-will can separate us from God. -- St. Alphonsus Liguori

I have taught you statutes and ordinances, as the LORD my God commanded me (Deuteronomy 4:5).

Praise the LORD! Praise my God! (Psalm 147:12)

There has never been a God so near to me as you my LORD, whenever I call upon you (Deuteronomy 4:7).

Deal with me according to your word (Psalm 147:20). So righteous is your law, statutes and ordinances which you have set before me this day (Deuteronomy 4:8).

Praise the LORD!

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Something Greater is Here

"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; 

and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 

and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; 

and of his kingdom there will be no end." 

Luke 1:32-33

When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the men of Nin'eveh, so will the Son of man be to this generation.

The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

The men of Nin'eveh will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

-- Luke 11: 29 - 32

Lord, You are the Greatest among all who live in the face of the earth!