The Gateway to Greatness

We all want to be great. Whether we admit it or not, something in us longs for significance. We want our lives to matter, to leave a mark, to be remembered. And when we look around at how greatness is typically measured, the standards seem obvious: accomplishments, knowledge, boldness, and influence.

But Jesus has a completely different take. In Matthew 18, He challenges our assumptions and redefines greatness in a way that is both humbling and freeing.

Let’s walk through four common misconceptions about greatness. Each of these Jesus addresses through His interactions with the disciples. These were men who walked with Him, ministered with Him, and, just like us, often got caught up in comparison, competition, and pride.

Misconception #1: Greatness Equals Accomplishments and Accolades
Many of us believe greatness is found in what we do. If we achieve something big, get noticed, and receive affirmation, that must mean we’re great.

In Matthew 10:1, 8, Jesus sends out His twelve disciples, giving them authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. And they actually do it. In Mark 6:30, they come back to Jesus, eager to report all they had done.

You can picture the excitement, but also the subtle comparison game. “How many did you heal?” “Well, I didn’t heal anyone, but I raised someone from the dead!”

It’s easy to imagine them lined up, bragging about their ministry resumes, each one jockeying for top status. But Jesus is not impressed by their accomplishments. Yes, He empowered them. Yes, He sent them out. But He never said that was the definition of greatness.

Accomplishments are good. We should be grateful for them. But we must not confuse them for greatness. Jesus didn’t.

Misconception #2: Greatness Comes from Knowledge or Scholarship
Another common misconception is that greatness comes from how much you know.

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches eight parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. You can almost see the disciples afterward, comparing notes on who understood what. “I got it right away.” “You didn’t? I had to explain it to you!”

Remember when Jesus asked in Matthew 16, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms him: “You are right.” You can imagine Peter looking around, silently declaring himself the theological MVP.

Knowledge is important. Wisdom, understanding, and theological training are valuable. But again, don’t mistake them for greatness. You can have Bible verses memorized, be quick with the right answers, and still miss the heart of what Jesus considers truly great.

Misconception #3: Greatness Means Taking Big Steps of Faith
Surely, if someone takes bold steps of faith, that’s greatness, right?

Peter gives us a powerful example in Matthew 14:28-29. In the middle of a storm, he sees Jesus walking on water and says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come.” Jesus says, “Come.” So Peter steps out and walks on water.

It’s an amazing moment. None of the other disciples did that. You can almost hear Peter later, reminding them, “Hey, which one of you walked on water? Yeah, I sank, but at least I got out of the boat.”

Big steps of faith are essential. God will call us to bold obedience. But even those moments are not what define greatness. They are part of the journey, not the destination.

Misconception #4: Greatness Is Found in Titles or Position
We often tie greatness to our role or status. The higher the title, the greater the person, or so we think.

In Matthew 17:1, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, apart from the others. They experience something the rest of the disciples do not. They are, in many ways, part of an inner circle.

That had to come with some pride. You can imagine the other nine feeling excluded, and the three selected ones feeling important. “We saw things you didn’t see. We heard things you didn’t hear. Clearly, we’re the greatest.”

But again, Jesus doesn’t define greatness by who gets invited to the meeting or who holds the leadership title.

Jesus Redefines Greatness
So, what is greatness according to Jesus?

In Matthew 18:2-4, after the disciples ask who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus does something unexpected. He calls over a child.

The word used here is paidion, meaning infant—someone completely dependent. Jesus places this baby in front of them and says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Let that sink in.

Not the one with the biggest accomplishments. Not the boldest step of faith. Not the one with the most knowledge. Not the one with the highest title.

The greatest is the one who humbles themselves like a child.

Dependency Is the Gateway to Greatness
What defines a child? Especially an infant?

●They are completely dependent
For food. For safety. For comfort. For everything.

●They bring nothing to the table
No accomplishments. No theology degrees. No record of bold faith.

●They simply trust
They rely fully on someone else to sustain them.

Jesus says this kind of posture is exactly what He is looking for in those who are truly great in His Kingdom.

In a world that celebrates self-sufficiency, Jesus invites us into dependence. Not weakness, but humility. Not status, but surrender. Not striving, but trust.

He is not asking for your resume. He is asking, Do you depend on Me for everything?

Greatness, according to Jesus, begins not with doing, but with depending. It's not measured by how many you’ve healed, how well you’ve understood Scripture, or how bold your faith has been. It's measured by how much you trust Him.

You want to be great? Jesus says, “Come to Me like this baby.” No posturing. No titles. Just honest, humble dependence.

That’s where true greatness begins.



This blog is based on the message shared by Campus Pastor Chris DeArman at our CityRise Bellaire campus on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Check out the full message below!