“WHO’S THE GREATEST?”

 Sometime after being on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John got into a little tiff. They were arguing about “who was the greatest” (Mark 9:34). They even had the audacity to ask Jesus, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). I can almost hear them muttering quietly, “Pick me! Pick me!”

They were a bit like ten-year-old boys, “I can ride a bike faster.” … “I can throw a ball farther.” …  “I can jump higher.” …  “Little Suzie Q. likes me best.”

In his writings John often referred to himself as “the one Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). At the last Passover supper, John remembered “reclining close beside Jesus” (John 13:23). Arguing about who was greatest, John probably said, “Jesus loves me the most.”

And Peter? What would Peter say? “Nobody else walked on water!”

In response to this spat, “Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand next to him” (Luke 9:47). They were in Capernaum (Mark 9:33), Peter’s hometown, and probably at Peter’s house. Possibly the little child was Peter’s kiddo.

With Pete Junior standing at His side, the Master looked into the eyes of the squabbling disciples and spoke softly. “Truly I tell you … unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).

Three decades later, Peter may have been thinking about the Lord’s gentle rebuke when he wrote these memorable words: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:6–9).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).