1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Humans, we seem to constantly seek to elevate self. We can depend upon it, where self begins, sorrow begins. It was no different for Jesus’ guys either. They were dreaming of a temporal earthly kingdom with all the enticing worldly glam emanating from external pomp and power. Believing that Christ’s kingdom on earth was about to be ushered in, they were each clamoring for their places - the higher, of course, the better. In fact, both Mark and Luke’s accounts of this incident record the disciple’s unbecoming contest for precedence -arguing over which one of them was the greatest – so very human nature:
33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Luke 9:46 (NIV)
Our Lord’s teaching turned human nature’s desires upside down. While we all clamor for the top Jesus says stoop low. You want to be great, serve. You want to be first, be last. You want to be the big lead dog, humble yourself – take the back row seat. Humility – God’s standard for greatness. Let’s each consider for a moment ourselves. We bring nothing into this world – what do we have that we did not receive? And seriously, all we bring to the table is our will - as vacillating as it is. We are way too enamored with self! If we need an attitude adjustment regarding pride/humility a quick read of the last five chapters of Job will quickly sober us up.
“Here is the divine antidote against the pride and restless ambition of the men of this world. Nothing is more sad than to witness a pushing, bustling, forward, self-confident spirit and style in those who profess to be followers of Him who was meek and lowly in heart. It is such a flagrant contradiction of the spirit and precepts of Christianity, and is a sure accompaniment of an unbroken condition of the soul. It is utterly impossible for anyone to indulge in a boastful, pretentious, self-confident spirit, if ever he has really measured himself in the presence of God. To be much alone with God is the sovereign remedy for pride and self-complacency. May we know the reality of this in the secret of our own souls. May the good Lord keep us truly humble, in all our ways, simply leaning on Himself and his grace...” C H Macintosh, Notes on Deuteronomy, 1869
There was never a better pattern set for us of humility than our great Example. He took all occasions to command it, commend it and walk in it. Humility is a necessity and a requirement insisted upon by God. We are most like the Savior when we are humble. Paul writes in Philippians regarding Jesus’ model for us to follow:
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:3-11 (NIV)
No doubt about it, in God’s way of thinking – in His perfect economy of scale which He clearly presents in His Word – humility precedes greatness. Indeed, He opposes the proud yet gives grace to the humble.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)
“Christ is with the humble, not with those who set themselves up over His flock.” Clement of Rome
“In the Kingdom, there are no great men of God, just humble men whom God has chosen to use greatly. How do we know when we are humble? When God speaks, we tremble. God is looking for a man who trembles at His word. Such a man will find the Spirit of God resting upon him; he will become a dwelling place for the Almighty. God asks for nothing but ourselves.” Francis Frangipane