How Jesus Defines Greatness in God's Kingdom

This week, Pastor Matthew continued the Following Jesus series by teaching from Matthew chapters 18 and 20, with an additional story from Luke 7. Over the past year, The Tree Church has walked step by step through the Gospel of Matthew, asking what it truly means to follow Jesus.

Pastor Matthew opened by contrasting how the world defines greatness with how Jesus defines it. In our culture, greatness is usually measured by power, wealth, recognition, or status. It is often tied to climbing higher than others and gaining influence. Yet in the kingdom of God, Jesus redefines greatness in a way that feels unnatural: humility, service, and care for the vulnerable.

Pastor Matthew gave examples of how society naturally praises those at the top of the chart. In business, the manager is seen as greater than the cashier, the district leader greater than the store manager, and the owner greater than all of them. That same mindset extends to politics and entertainment, where the most admired figures are often those with the most resources and power.

But this pursuit comes with a cost. When greatness is defined by self-promotion, others are pushed down. What is celebrated as success may bring momentary happiness, but it often leaves relationships strained and communities divided.

In Matthew 18, the disciples asked Jesus who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of rewarding their ambition, Jesus placed a child among them and said that unless they became like children, they would not even enter the kingdom.

Pastor Matthew explained that children, while imperfect, do not carry the same pride adults often carry. They are not comparing themselves with others or claiming superiority. By pointing to a child, Jesus revealed that greatness begins with humility—a willingness to lower ourselves rather than demand recognition.

Jesus then warned against causing one of the “little ones” who believed in Him to stumble. Pastor Matthew pointed out that this statement stretched beyond children. It referred to anyone vulnerable in faith or in life circumstances. Greatness in God’s eyes protects and values these people rather than dismissing them.

This teaching stood in contrast to the way many societies, including our own, celebrate the strong and overlook the weak. Jesus showed that true greatness is not about ignoring those who struggle but about lifting them up and giving care where it is most needed.

Later in Matthew 20, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to give her sons the seats of highest honor in His kingdom. The other disciples grew angry at this request, revealing their own desire for recognition. Jesus used the moment to make His teaching unmistakable: greatness in His kingdom is not about ruling but about serving.

Pastor Matthew reflected on how leadership can easily drift toward privilege and entitlement. He shared from his own experiences how God has continually reminded him to serve staff, family, and even those who oppose him. Service is not a natural instinct, it must be chosen daily. Jesus’ call was clear: whoever wants to be first must take the posture of a servant.

The foundation of this teaching is found in Jesus Himself. In Matthew 20:28, He said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Pastor Matthew reminded the church that God in the flesh chose not to demand honor but to lay down His life for sinners.

To illustrate this, he turned to Luke 7, where a Pharisee named Simon invited Jesus to dinner. Simon, confident in his own status, failed to show honor to Jesus. Yet a woman known as a sinner wept at Jesus’ feet, anointed them, and worshiped Him with humility. Jesus explained that her awareness of her brokenness opened the door to her forgiveness and transformation. The Pharisee, blind to his own need, left unchanged.

As the message closed, Pastor Matthew encouraged the church to reflect on their own pursuits. Have our ideas of greatness harmed our relationships, our witness, or our ability to love others well? Jesus’ way of greatness does not always look impressive by the world’s standards, but it leads to life, healing, and hope.

True greatness begins with humility, continues in service, and is sustained by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.