We might be far from greatness, but the deep love of God for sinners has put us first in his heart.

One summer a long time ago in the White Mountains of Arizona, a great boxer practiced punching his punching bag. His name was Mohammed Ali. Everyone knew him, even in the little town of Show Low. He was the one who said so often, "I'm the greatest!" And maybe in the realm of pugilists he was, for a time, the greatest.

We think we're great

Ali's claim of being the greatest was really the claim of the disciples too. It is shocking to hear them squabbling about who was the greatest. Jesus overheard them as they walked along the road and later asked, "What were you arguing about on the road?" (Mark 9:33). But they didn't want to say anything. Most people are reluctant to actually say the words out loud. "They kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest" (Mark 9:34).

Chances are you have never heard anyone say the words "I'm the greatest!" But perhaps you have heard the words said in other ways. These "other ways" are just as forceful.

"Don't bother me." (My time is the only time that counts. I'm the greatest, you know.)

"I can't help you." (I need to help myself first. You know . . . I'm the greatest.)

"Why? Why do I have to listen to you?" (I'm the greatest!)

"It's my way or the highway." (It's obvious here: I'm the greatest!)

The apostle Paul had a different way of saying he was the greatest. He said, "I am the greatest sinner." He also said, "I am the least of the apostles" (1 Corinthians 15:9). In this he thought rightly. But the disciples were still helpless in the shallow water of their own importance.

Jesus treats us like we're great

So, who is the greatest? It's important for you and me to know. The one who called the disciples on their question that day and talked to them from his heart . . . he is the greatest. He still is. Jesus is the greatest. When we look into the mirror wondering who is the "fairest of them all," it is still Jesus. He's the fairest. He's the greatest of them all. But he didn't go around shouting, "I'm the greatest!" His humble attitude is to be ours. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).

Don't be heartbroken over the fact that you aren't the greatest. In fact, dare to make eye contact with Jesus. Do it one day when you two are alone. Ask him in that quiet place where you talk with him, "Jesus, who do you think is the greatest?"