Who is the Greatest?

November 23, 2025

Matthew 17

Of the twelve disciples Peter, James, and John accompany Jesus up the mountain and witness the transfiguration. The voice of God rings out “This is my beloved Son… listen to him!”

Matthew 18

The disciples come to Jesus and ask, “Who, then, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

“Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

“Truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.”

Matthew 19:

The disciples fail to listen – they rebuke people who bring children to Jesus

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

—

When a rich man goes away sad because Jesus told him, “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.”

Peter answers “We have left everything to follow you, what then will there be for us?”

Jesus’ reply – “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”

Matthew 20

Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who pays his workers the same, regardless if they worked all day, or an hour.

“Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

—

The mother of James and John comes to Jesus with her sons.

“Grant that these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

When the ten disciples heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.

Jesus instructs:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Ironically, in the following story, Jesus restores sight to blind men.

Join me in a simple prayer of confession, assurance, and thanksgiving.