ESOCS Devotional 5 August 2023: The Greatest

ESOCS Devotional 5 August 2023

MEMORY VERSE: “Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of God.” Matthew 18:4

TEXT: LUKE 9:44-50 (KJV)

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

⁴⁵But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

⁴⁶Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

⁴⁷And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

⁴⁸And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

⁴⁹And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

⁵⁰And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here

The word “Greatest” in the context of this scripture is pointing to the chief or pre-eminent person over others. That is someone remarkably superior in character or quality. This could be as a result of learning, skills, profession or royalty obtained by birth in family linage.

The truth was explained by Christ Jesus as a shock when he linked the greatest with humility of a little child. This refers to a person who is modest with an unassuming attitude devoid of arrogance and pride. It is good that a person who possess great power but still humble will always be well regarded and valued by others. What then are characteristics of humble people?

They trust in the sovereignty of God. Knowing that God is perfect in all things; his judgments are true and unquestionable (Romans 9).
They give thanks to God in all things. (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
They are in the awe of God’s goodness and grace towards them. (Romans 6:23, Psalm 116:12-19).
They rejoice with others at situation, taking their eyes off themselves and rejoicing with others selflessly. They must battle to humble self-pride and promote humility.
They must practice unity based on their salvation. This is because we have to set aside personal differences for the sake of unity in Christ.
As a humble person you must not be wise in your own eyes. This is the sin of intellectual pride and is very deceitful because the person who is wise in his own eyes is rarely so in the eyes of the others.
They forgive quickly because they also realize that Jesus have forgiven them much. They desire to be rather peacemakers. (Colossians 3:12-14)
They have a teachable spirit. They understand that they don’t know everything and can learn much from others by listening. (2 peter 3:18, Corinthians 4:7)
They build up others. (Eph 4:29)
They have servant’s hearts living and serving others is the mark of their lives. (Galatians 5:13-14, Philippians 2:5-11)