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

Friday, August 18, 2017

At that time the followers came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
— Matthew 18:1 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 18:1 NLT — At that time the followers came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

Key Thought

In our dreams as children, we are the greatest. In our professions, we 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 dream of even greater things to do and greater heights to climb.
So surely, the desire of greatness can't be all bad! The lust for greatness is a great 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

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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