Who is the Greatest?

We live in a world where competition is constant. Everyone is drawn into it, often unknowingly. We run the race of trying to come in first, striving to be the best and present ourselves as the greatest.

The disciples had a similar issue. They competed among themselves, wondering, “Who is the best?” Perhaps this competition arose because Jesus took only Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration, forming an inner circle with these three. Maybe it was because Jesus said to Peter, “On this rock, I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), or because the mother of James and John asked Jesus to grant her sons the honour of sitting at His right and left when He comes in glory. These may have been the reasons the disciples debated who was the greatest.

When we talk about being the greatest, the essence is often self-centeredness. It places ego at the centre. People who think this way believe they are so important that nothing is possible without them. They think everything revolves around them.

Jesus teaches His disciples differently, saying, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). In this world, everyone is trying to reach the top. Coming in first may thrill us, but Jesus redefines greatness. Anyone who wants to be first must be the servant of all. He teaches us that true greatness is found in serving others.

M.K. Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” May God always help us find ourselves serving others. God bless!