1.1 Wealth and Material Possessions: - The world often equates greatness with wealth and the accumulation of material possessions. However, the Bible warns against this perspective. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:26
1.2 Power and Influence: - Another worldly measure of greatness is power and influence. Yet, the Bible teaches that true greatness is not about lording over others. "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you." Mark 10:42-43
2.1 Humility: - In contrast to the world's view, the Bible teaches that greatness in God's eyes is associated with humility. "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4
2.2 Servanthood: - The Bible also emphasizes servanthood as a key characteristic of greatness. "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." Matthew 20:26
3.1 Jesus' Humility: - Jesus demonstrated true greatness through His humility, becoming human and living among us. "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:8
3.2 Jesus' Servanthood: - Jesus also showed greatness through His servanthood, even washing His disciples' feet. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:14
4.1 Embracing Humility: - To pursue biblical greatness, we must embrace humility, recognizing our need for God. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." James 4:10
4.2 Embodying Servanthood: - We must also embody servanthood, seeking to serve others as Christ served us. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13
4.3 Following Jesus' Example: - Ultimately, we pursue biblical greatness by following Jesus' example, living lives of humility and servanthood. "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21