I saw a hat: “Make Canada Great Again.” It is, of course, based on the slogan to “Make America Great Again.” I even saw something on the internet to do with making Europe great again.

It’s a word we use not only to describe nations but people. “So-and-so is great.” When we use it like that, it’s clearly intended to be a compliment.

How do we define greatness as people of faith?

Here’s why it’s important. I’ve heard it said that it’s easier to kill a group of rats together rather than one at a time. As a group they tend to do what the others are doing. But individually they seem to do more thinking for themselves.

It’s an example of negative ‘group think.’ And it can happen with people too! If our definition isn’t biblical, we tend to absorb the perspective of our surrounding culture (which seems inclined to define greatness in ways which are, shall we say, not so great).

Does greatness have to do with worldly success, popularity, wealth, power, or being happy all the time? 

In Mark 9 the disciples had been arguing about who was greatest. Jesus responded by providing a definition we are wise to adopt today: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (verse 35).

In my Bible, the word ‘servant’ is underlined and the words ‘of all’ are circled. Servant of all. Make no mistake about it: According to Jesus, greatness is servanthood. 

Jesus demonstrated this personally. Although he was Lord he came as a servant (Philippians 2:5-11). He healed people. He cast out demons. He taught the crowds. He confronted hypocrisy. All of this was a kind of loving servanthood which benefited others. In Mark 10:45 Jesus also stated that going to the cross was an act of servanthood. 

Do you want to be great? Do you want to take your cue from Jesus himself? If so, serve. 

According to Jesus, greatness is servanthood.

Notes:

–“How did Jesus define greatness?” Click here. Sermon. February 23, 2025.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.