Manifesting Greatness

Call to Prayer 

Title: Manifesting Greatness

By: Daniel Peter

Date: 17.07.2023

and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 18:3-5 (KJV)

Something worth noting happened when Jesus Christ was teaching the disciples about greatness in Mark 9:33-37. Before He spoke about this subject, the Bible mentioned that He sat down (verse 35). The sitting position is symbolic, and it suggests He was on His throne; the topic being discussed is what He has been given authority from the Father to reveal (it was important for the fulfillment of His assignment on earth).

The concept of attaining greatness was an important ministry that Jesus was mandated to reveal to mankind by His teaching and actions. This was why His first public teaching (the sermon on the mount) contained the revelation of what it means to be great (Matt. 5:19), and this theme was repeated in His conversations with His disciples. To truly understand why this was important for Jesus Christ to reveal to humanity and all creation, we have to see that the disorder and pain that exists in the world today is as a result of one of God’s creature who desired to be great, and he sought it in the wrong way. That creature was Lucifer, who in Isaiah 14:13, desired to ascend to the top of the mount (a statement symbolic of a greater position that he was at that time).

Lucifer’s desire to be great wasn’t against the will of God, but the way he chose to attain it was the issue. This was the reason Jesus Christ did not rebuke the disciples for desiring greatness, rather He responded by teaching them how to. For Lucifer, he repeated “I will, I will, I will” in His statement of purpose in Isaiah 14:13-15, suggesting He wasn’t depending on God for it (He wanted to attain it by his personal effort). However, when Jesus Christ was teaching His disciples, He taught them to depend on God for the exaltation to greatness. This was why after revealing the place of humbling one’s self and serving (Mark 9:35), He also mentioned becoming like a child (Matt.18:3-5). Children are dependent on their parents for everything.

Yes, greatness is a measure of how Christ like we are, and it is revealed by our ability to practice and teach His instructions (Matt. 5:19). It is attained by humility expressed by a heart of service (Mark 9:35-37). However, the grace to manifest this greatness is given to those who know their need for God and depend on Him for all things (Matt. 5:3).

Prayer Point 

Let’s thank God for His word today. Let’s ask Him to help us to depend on Him for the manifestation of His greatness in us.