What Jesus Did! 'Striving for Greatness' — Matthew 18:1

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"
— Matthew 18:1 NLT

Key Thought

In our dreams as children, we are the greatest. In our professions, we may entertain illusions of our greatness. Even when we approach what is greatness in the eyes of others, we know that we have not arrived and we may dream of even greater things to do and greater heights to climb.

The longing for greatness is a strong motivator. But Jesus said that greatness, like life and so many other things, cannot be obtained by seeking what we desire. Instead, greatness is given when we follow Jesus and choose to live as servants!

Today's Prayer

Almighty Father, give me the wisdom to value people by Jesus' standard of greatness and not the standard of those who do not know Christ and his sacrifice. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • Matthew 16:25-26
  • Proverbs 3:5-6

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 8:18
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Corinthians 1:18
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Anticipating the Overflow' (Jn. 7:37-39)
"On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Mark 15:23
"A golden truth is couched in the fact that the Saviour put the myrrhed wine-cup from his lips. On the heights of heaven the Son of God stood of old,....."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 18:1 NLT — About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!