What Does True Greatness Look Like in God’s Kingdom?

In a world that constantly shifts and shakes, where everything feels unstable and uncertain, we often find ourselves searching for solid ground. The news feeds are filled with chaos, relationships feel strained, and even basic things like what we should eat seem to change daily. But what if the problem isn’t that the world has become unstable—what if instability has always been the world’s normal state?

The World is Upside Down, But Jesus’ Kingdom is Upright

We live in an upside-down world that doesn’t function the way God created it to function. But Jesus came to bring the kingdom of God to earth so we could live the way we were created to live. In Jesus’ kingdom, greatness looks completely different from what the world teaches us.

The world tells us that success means climbing higher, getting closer to the top, gaining more recognition. But Jesus redefines the entire game. As followers of Christ, we can live unshaken in a shaking world by embracing a radically different approach: I confront the world’s upside-down values by serving others.

Does Jesus Want Us to Seek Greatness?

Many Christians believe that seeking greatness is somehow wrong or antithetical to following Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t tell us to avoid greatness—he redefines what greatness actually means. We should aspire to be great followers of Jesus, but the path to that greatness isn’t what we might expect.

In Matthew 20, we find Jesus heading toward Jerusalem for the final week of his life. He’s just told his disciples that he’s going to be arrested, mocked, flogged, and crucified. Immediately after this sobering announcement, the mother of James and John approaches Jesus with a request: she wants her sons to have the seats of power in his kingdom.

Serving, Not Climbing, is the Way Up

When the other disciples hear about this request for power positions, they become angry. Jesus gathers all twelve disciples and teaches them a fundamental principle of his kingdom: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you, but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.”

This isn’t just theoretical teaching—Jesus demonstrates this principle with his own life. He came not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.

What Does It Mean to Descend Into Greatness?

True greatness in God’s kingdom doesn’t come from accumulating more knowledge, doing more Bible studies, or praying longer prayers. Greatness comes from becoming a servant. More knowledge doesn’t lead to greatness—serving people does.

But what does serving actually look like in practical terms? Jesus shows us through his actions as he continues toward Jerusalem.

Serving Requires Seeing the Overlooked

As Jesus and his disciples leave Jericho, they encounter two blind men sitting by the roadside. When these men hear that Jesus is passing by, they cry out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd tries to silence them, telling them to be quiet. But Jesus stops.

This moment reveals something profound: while the crowd wants to keep moving, Jesus takes time to see those whom everyone else overlooks. The irony is striking—these physically blind men are the first ones on the road to Jerusalem who truly recognize who Jesus is, calling him by the messianic title “Son of David.”

The Simple Steps of Serving

Serving isn’t complicated, though it may be difficult. It requires:

– Stopping long enough to see someone the world has moved past
– Asking them what they actually need
– Being willing to adjust our schedule and put others before ourselves
– Recognizing that those we serve often give us more than we give them

Who is Invisible in Your World?

This leads to a crucial question: Who’s invisible in your world that Jesus is asking you to see and serve? This isn’t about building a spiritual resume or doing things that look good to others. It’s about genuinely seeing people who have become invisible to us.

You don’t have to travel far to serve—but you do have to go further than you currently are. Whether you’re a student, employee, manager, or business owner, there are people in your immediate world whom Jesus is calling you to see and serve.

Serving in Your Everyday World

For students, this might mean seeing a classmate who’s struggling or even a teacher who needs encouragement. In the workplace, if you’re in leadership, it means using your position to elevate your employees rather than lording authority over them. If you’re an employee, it might mean serving a difficult boss or coworker—recognizing that their harsh behavior often masks deep brokenness and need.

The Warning Against Empty Spirituality

Jesus’ encounter with a fruitless fig tree serves as a warning: it’s possible to look spiritual while living untransformed. We can do all the right things, show up and say the right words, make grand gestures of service, and still be serving ourselves instead of others.

True service isn’t about people seeing us serve—it’s about genuinely lowering ourselves so others can be raised up. When our service is really about building our own image, we’re serving ourselves, not following Jesus.

Starting Small and Specific

Real change begins with picking one person—not a whole group, just one individual—and asking Jesus specifically how you might serve them. Avoid the grand gesture. Make it normal, relational, and authentic.

Remember that people aren’t projects or items on a checklist. Serving is about relationship and demonstrating the Gospel in both word and deed. It will cost you something, but it shouldn’t be done alone. Invite others to pray for you and serve alongside you.

Life Application

This week, commit to asking Jesus this specific question: “Who is invisible in my world that you’re asking me to see?” When a name or face comes to mind, write it down. Then ask the follow-up question: “What does it look like for me to enter into their world in order to serve them?”

Choose one person and begin taking small, intentional steps to serve them. This isn’t about grand gestures or checking spiritual boxes—it’s about genuinely seeing and serving someone who has become invisible in your daily routine.

Questions for reflection:

– In what areas of your life do you see little spiritual fruit?
– How might Jesus use serving to change those fruitless areas?
– What would it cost you to genuinely serve the person Jesus is bringing to mind?
– Who could you invite to pray for you and serve alongside you in this journey?

Remember, following Jesus doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality. In a world that’s constantly shaking, we can live unshaken by choosing to see what Jesus sees and serve as he served.