The Scripture text for this week is about greatness. True greatness.
James and John want Jesus to put them in charge of the universe! They want Jesus to save them
the seats of authority and prominence – one on his right and the other on his left – when he comes
into his glory and rules the world. It will be Jesus – and James and John – running things!
Now when the other disciples hear of this plot, they get more than a little annoyed! Just who do
James and John think they are? In another place we are told that a big argument breaks out
among them about just who is better than who – the greatest disciple of all.
Given the passion with which all this takes place, I’m left wondering, what is the meaning of true
greatness. What’s my idea of what it means to be great? What is it that makes a person great?
What is it that makes a family a great family? What does a great nation look like?
James and John, just like the rest of us humans, think that greatness is about having strength,
security, authority, power, and respect. But in the meantime, Jesus escapes the debate, and goes
to the cross and dies. And the Bible tells us that, in so doing, Jesus did more good for the world
than anyone who has ever lived. True greatness.
True greatness of the kind Jesus calls us to is not the same greatness the world values. True
greatness has nothing to do with achieving success, or being strong, or solving all our problems,
or being in command of our lives. True greatness is not about position or status or fame.
True greatness is about making the cross the centre of our lives, and trusting God so much that
we become willing to give ourselves for the sake of others. True greatness is about compassion
and mercy and humble service that flow out of our lives every day.
Rev John Broughton
Retired Minister