I recently heard a story that I loved.
A pastor was asked by someone, "who do you think is the greatest Christian alive today?" He paused, collecting his thoughts. Finally, looking his curious companion in the eye he offered a response.
"Oh, I don't know but I'm sure it's someone we've never heard of."
We like to look to the notable, the reputable, and the most visible as exemplars of the Christian faith. Those in the spotlight must be the most faithful, the greatest among us. The ones writing books, leading ministries, and preaching in churches are the greatest.
They've figured it out and are on the right path.
But what the answer of this pastor offers a different way, one much more in line with Jesus' teachings.
The greatest Christians
If there is a "greatest Christian," they're unknown.
The greatest among us are the kind of people you walk past on the street and don't give a second thought. By the world's standards, they may be lowest paid and weakest person you know. They could be socially awkward and shy.
They're more likely to be the janitor than the CEO.
In other words, they're the last people we'd expect.
Even more likely, they're the kind of person religious folks are most confident could not possible be the "greatest."
Greatest in the kingdom
But the funny thing about the kingdom of God is that it’s a place where traditional logic is flipped upside down.
It's a realm where everything is upside down.
A place where the weakest are the strongest, the poorest are the wealthiest, and "the last will be first, and the first last" (Matt 20:16).
Recall what Jesus said to the religious leaders of his day. ““Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you” (Matt 21:31).
So if we want to find the “greatest” in God’s Kingdom we shouldn’t be looking up but we should start by looking down and around.
Very nice take here, Joe. Well spoken.