Thoughts for the Day

A dispute also arose among them as to which one of the disciples was to be regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader lie one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.'

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What do we mean by someone being 'great' or the 'greatest'? Well it's not someone who is 'notorious', for that usually means someone who is infamous, like Hitler. 'Great' can mean 'huge' like the story of 'The enormous turnip', but when we apply it to a person we usually mean they are outstanding in their field, so we say "Shakespeare is the greatest playwright." Today we find the twelve debating "Who is the greatest disciple?"

The truly great don't need to trumpet their own cause. The greatest people are often fairly modest about their achievements. Two famous men my family knew were an example of this. Around 1951 I remember our home being crowded with men from a football team. They made a fuss of me before I was sent to bed. My father was an Army International Referee, and was coaching a team of men called to do their national service. Two of these were Henry Cooper (boxer) and Bobby Charlton (footballer). Sir Henry and Sir Bobby as they became were both "gentlemen" as we might say, no matter the height they rose to in their field, they were kind, thoughtful and generous to the last, as many testified on their deaths. They were two British greats in their field!

Jesus said to his disciples, and to us, that the greatest will be the least - we are not to blow our own trumpet, instead we are to become like those who serve, or like the youngest among us. His words should resonate with us today. The greatest among us will be Christians who do all they can to be kind, generous, and helpful to others. The greatest among us may not be noticed by many people, but they will be known by our Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father,
we thank You for those among us
who are the greatest of Christians -
for those who help their neighbour;
who help the poor;
who succour the helpless;
who offer small kindnesses to others;
who share their food with the hungry;
who offer a smile to those they see;
and give a kind word to all.
May we learn from the greatest
what it means to serve You.
Amen.