Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “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. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Right after Jesus foretold his own suffering and death, the disciples, focused on earthly status, asked who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Their question reveals they were still imagining a political kingdom where worldly rank mattered, missing the radical nature of Jesus' impending sacrifice and the humility it would demand.
Fresh off a miraculous encounter involving Jesus and the Temple tax, the disciples were still caught up in worldly ambitions, leading to a dispute amongst themselves about who held the highest position. This question, "Who is the greatest?" arises from their earthly expectations of Jesus setting up a glorious political kingdom, even immediately after He spoke of His impending suffering and resurrection. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts and their shame, uses this moment to profoundly reorient their understanding of greatness within His true kingdom.
Just after Jesus spoke of his suffering and resurrection, his disciples' minds went straight to who would be the VIPs in his new kingdom. How can we reconcile these two worlds?
It's fascinating that right after Jesus talks about his upcoming suffering and death, the disciples immediately jump to a question about earthly power and status: 'Who is the greatest?'
A Misunderstood Kingdom
The disciples still pictured the 'kingdom of heaven' as a political or military kingdom, like the ones they knew. They expected Jesus to overthrow Roman rule and set himself up as a king with officials and ranks. Their question, 'Who is the greatest?', was about who would get the top jobs, the most honor, and the most power in this earthly-style kingdom.
Human Nature's Pull
This shows how deeply ingrained earthly ambition and the desire for recognition can be. Even after hearing Jesus speak of his own impending suffering, their focus was on their own status. It’s a powerful reminder that our natural desires for importance can easily overshadow spiritual realities, even for those closest to Jesus.
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The disciples weren't just innocently curious; they had actually been arguing among themselves about who was the best. What does this 'behind-the-scenes' conflict reveal?
The Gospels of Mark and Luke give us a bit more context: the disciples had been arguing on the road before they arrived to ask Jesus their question. This wasn't a spontaneous, detached inquiry; it was a resolution to a dispute.
Shame and Shifting Blame
Jesus perceived the 'thoughts of their heart' and asked them about their argument. Initially, they were silent out of shame. But realizing Jesus knew what was going on, they brought their contentious question to him, perhaps hoping he would validate their claims or settle their rivalry.
Worldly Logic vs. Kingdom Reality
Their dispute was rooted in a worldly logic: if Jesus is the Messiah-King, then someone must be the 'greatest.' This mindset led to competition and strife. Jesus' response (which follows in the next verses) will completely flip this logic on its head, revealing that the kingdom of heaven operates on entirely different principles than the kingdoms of this world.
Why ask 'who is greatest' right then? Some clues suggest a recent event involving Peter might have stirred the pot.
Matthew 18:1 mentions 'at that time,' and some scholars point to recent events that likely fueled the disciples' question and their internal debate.
The Coin from Peter's Mouth
Just before this, in Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus and Peter had the unique encounter where Peter found the temple tax coin in the fish's mouth. This was a special, almost intimate interaction between Jesus and Peter, highlighting Peter's prominence among the disciples.
The Transfiguration Echoes
Additionally, Peter, James, and John had recently experienced the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). These 'special honors' given to a select few likely intensified the others' feelings of being overlooked and sparked questions about hierarchy and who held the most important position.
Ambition's Nuances
This doesn't mean Peter was inherently arrogant, nor that the other disciples were purely malicious. It highlights how even perceived favoritism or special roles can trigger human desires for status and recognition within a group, especially when the ultimate nature of the kingdom is misunderstood.
Understand the original words
mathētai · Greek Noun
A student or follower of a teacher; in the New Testament, it refers specifically to those who follow Jesus Christ, observing his teachings and life.
basileia tōn ouranōn · Greek Noun
The rule, reign, or sovereign authority of God, both in the present spiritual sense and in the future eschatological sense; it represents the realm where God's will is perfectly done.
paidion · Greek Noun
A young human being; in a biblical context, it often symbolizes vulnerability, humility, dependence on others, and a lack of status or power in society.
amēn · Greek Adverb/Interjection
A solemn, emphatic introductory formula used by Jesus to underscore the truth and divine authority of his subsequent statement.
strefō · Greek Verb
A complete change of mind and direction; biblically, it signifies turning away from sin and self-centeredness toward God.
tapeinoō · Greek Verb
The act of lowering one's status, pride, or self-importance; it is the fundamental spiritual posture of acknowledging one's total dependence on God rather than self-reliance.
dechomai · Greek Verb
To welcome, accept, or take into one's company; in a spiritual sense, it involves embracing the gospel and the representatives of Christ as a way of welcoming Christ himself.
en tō onomati mou · Greek Noun
To act as an authorized representative of a person; doing something 'in the name of' Jesus signifies acting by his authority, in his character, and for his glory.
The disciples' question about who is greatest arose from their worldly expectations of Jesus' kingdom, shortly after Peter's special encounters and the Transfiguration, revealing their struggle to grasp Jesus' teachings on humility and service.
c. AD 30
Disciples dispute about preeminence
While traveling, the disciples debated amongst themselves who was the greatest among them. Jesus, aware of their thoughts, later asked them about their discussion.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus teaches about humility
Jesus uses a child to teach the disciples that greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service, not worldly ambition.
c. AD 30
Jesus warns against causing others to stumble
Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of leading others astray, particularly the vulnerable, using strong imagery of millstones and drowning.
c. AD 30
Parable of the lost sheep
To illustrate God's care for the lost and the importance of seeking them, Jesus tells the parable of a shepherd who leaves his flock to find one missing sheep.
c. AD 30
Jesus instructs on church discipline
Jesus outlines a process for addressing disputes within the community, emphasizing reconciliation and communal involvement before resorting to exclusion.
c. AD 30
Jesus teaches about forgiveness
Peter asks how many times one should forgive, prompting Jesus to teach about unlimited, unconditional forgiveness through the parable of the unforgiving servant.
This passage describes the disciples arguing amongst themselves about who was the greatest, directly preceding Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18. It highlights their worldly ambitions for status in the kingdom.
Luke 9:46Similar to Mark, Luke records that a dispute arose among the disciples about who was the greatest, showing this was a recurring theme and concern for them at this time.
Matthew 20:20-28The request of James and John to sit at Jesus' right and left hand shows this ambition for greatness persisted, prompting Jesus to teach about service and humility as the true path to greatness in His kingdom.
Philippians 2:3This verse offers a powerful contrast to the disciples' question, instructing believers to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.' It reveals the counter-cultural heart of God's kingdom.
1 Peter 5:5Peter echoes Jesus' teaching on humility, stating 'clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'' This shows the ongoing importance of this lesson for disciples.
vincentMatthew 18:1: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
The Rev. inserts then after who, thus restoring the Greek ἄρα, which the A. V. overlooks. Who then? Who, as things stand. Since one of our number has been doubly honored in being called "the rock," and in being appointed to take part in a special miracle, who then is greatest?
barnesMatthew 18:1: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
See also Mark 9:33-41 ; Luke 9:46-50 . Who is the greatest in the kingdom, of heaven? - By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to set up - his kingdom as the Messiah. They asked the question because they supposed, in accordance with the common expectation of the Jews, that he was about to set up a temporal kingdom of great splendor, and…
Right after Jesus foretold his own suffering and death, the disciples, focused on earthly status, asked who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Their question reveals they were still imagining a political kingdom where worldly rank mattered, missing the radical nature of Jesus' impending sacrifice and the humility it would demand.
Fresh off a miraculous encounter involving Jesus and the Temple tax, the disciples were still caught up in worldly ambitions, leading to a dispute amongst themselves about who held the highest position. This question, "Who is the greatest?" arises from their earthly expectations of Jesus setting up a glorious political kingdom, even immediately after He spoke of His impending suffering and resurrection. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts and their shame, uses this moment to profoundly reorient their understanding of greatness within His true kingdom.
Fresh off a miraculous encounter involving Jesus and the Temple tax, the disciples were still caught up in worldly ambitions, leading to a dispute amongst themselves about who held the highest position. This question, "Who is the greatest?" arises from their earthly expectations of Jesus setting up a glorious political kingdom, even immediately after He spoke of His impending suffering and resurrection. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts and their shame, uses this moment to profoundly reorient their understanding of greatness within His true kingdom.
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you wil…" — Right after Jesus foretold his own suffering and death, the disciples, focused on earthly status, asked who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Their question reveals they were still imagining a po…
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