We all strive to attain greatness and to attain top positions in all we do. From academic prowess, to sporting greatness, political power, entertainment icons, Nobel prize winners, local heroes, national heroes, global recognition, fame and riches, beauty and talent…. the list is endless.
There’s something about reading about the success of others that makes us look inwards at our own lives and think about how we can be better at what we do.
The story of Jesus at the last supper with His disciples revealed some insights into this aspect of human nature. So Luke 22:21-27 reads:
21But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. 24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles LORD it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
Notice in verse 21-22 that Jesus revealed something that was hidden from them before then. He revealed a flaw within the one of disciples. Immediately they began questioning and asking who it was. Then the conversation turned, perhaps driven by the startling revelation that not all of them were sincere to Jesus, they then started to also question not only who was the weakest as in ‘the traitor’ but who was the greatest. It’s as if Jesus knew He had to make them play this out before He left otherwise, they would have ended up copying the world system of leadership and greatness.
Verses 26 to 27 then sheds light on what it means to be ‘genuinely great’ from God’s point of view.
Greatness in God’s eyes is achieved when your attributes that make you great in the first place are poured out into others to make them great. Leadership is manifested at its best when the leader enables those being led to acquire the skills that will make them lead others.
That’s what Jesus wants to do with us when we come to Him. He wants to make you a great leader at whatever you do.
Yes, you my dear friend reading this…. Jesus will make you a great leader in whatever He calls you to do!
Now isn’t that a pretty thought to start your day with?