The Surprising Habit That Defines True Greatness
Following the servant-example of Jesus.
We all long to be great.
Whether we admit it or not, there’s something in us that craves significance. We want our lives to matter. We want to be respected, valued, and seen as successful.
And this longing isn’t bad.
Sometimes people of faith think this desire to be great is somehow at odds with our call to be humble.
But the problem isn’t the longing for greatness—it’s how we define it.
If you were to ask a random group of people to describe greatness, you’d likely hear answers like:
Success – Building an empire like Steve Jobs or Mark Cuban.
Wealth – Amassing enough money to live without limits.
Power – Holding influence over people, policies, or culture.
Mastery – Becoming the best in your field, whether as an athlete, artist, or entrepreneur.
But what if we’ve gotten it all wrong?
As followers of Jesus, we aren’t called to define greatness by the world’s standards—we’re called to let Jesus define it for us.
And Jesus’ definition is radically different.
True Greatness Looks Like Service
In Matthew 20:20–28, we see a striking moment where the disciples reveal just how much they misunderstood Jesus’ vision of greatness.
Jesus and His disciples are making their final trip to Jerusalem together prior to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Imagine the overwhelming emotion within Him as He walked that dusty road, knowing that the only thing ahead of Him was suffering and death. We know it weighs heavily on His mind because He’s just finished recounting it to the disciples for the third time. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that in this moment, Jesus is consumed by the heavy dread you would expect.
And in the midst of this, James and John’s mom approaches Jesus with what feels like a rather tasteless request:
“Promise that these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left, in your kingdom.”
(Matthew 20:21)
In other words: “Jesus, when You take power, can my sons be Your top guys?”
They wanted positions of prestige. They wanted proximity to power. They saw Jesus as a means to their own greatness.
Despite the tasteless nature and timing of the request, Jesus, with incredible patience, takes this moment to teach them (and us) what true greatness requires.
1. The World’s View of Greatness is Self-Promoting
James and John assumed that greatness meant being in charge—having status, influence, and recognition.
That mindset isn’t unique to them. It’s alive and well in us too.
We live in a culture obsessed with visibility. A staggering 57% of Gen Z aspires to become social media influencers. Why? Well, for one thing, influence is perceived as the ultimate goal—more followers, more admiration, and greater access.
However, they overlook the fact that more and more research suggests that influencers face significant mental health challenges. These include increased anxiety, depression, and burnout. This primarily stems from the constant pressure to maintain a flawless online image, compare themselves to others, and endure online criticism. We often desire influence or greatness without fully comprehending the associated costs.
This was the disciple’s error.
James and John wanted the position without fully understanding the cost.
So Jesus responds:
“You don’t know what you’re asking. Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?”
(Matthew 20:22)
They wanted the glory but had no idea of the sacrifice involved.
And yet, Jesus was patient with them—because He knew they weren’t alone in this mindset.
2. True Greatness Requires Sacrifice
The other ten disciples were furious when they heard about James and John’s request.
Not because they were offended on Jesus’ behalf—but because they wanted the same thing.
Jesus gathers them and flips their entire understanding of greatness upside down:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
(Matthew 20:25–26)
The world says: Use power to push others down.
Jesus says: Use power to lift others up.
The world says: Get to the top at all costs.
Jesus says: Position yourself at the bottom.
The world says: Be served.
Jesus says: Serve.
This would have been shocking to the disciples. In their culture, servanthood was not a pathway to greatness—it was the opposite.
And yet, Jesus doesn’t just command it—He embodies it.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
(Matthew 20:28)
Jesus didn’t just talk about service.
He sacrificed.
He washed feet.
He carried a cross.
He laid down His life.
This is the model of true greatness.
3. Every Christian is Called to Serve
If Jesus, the King of the universe, embraced the posture of a servant, how can we justify resisting it?
Here’s where this gets personal:
If someone were to describe you, would “servant” be one of the words they’d use?
Would your spouse, kids, coworkers, or friends say your life is marked by humble service?
If not, this is an invitation to realign your definition of greatness with Jesus’ definition.
I find it helpful to think about this through the lens of three main realms where we’re all called to serve:
1. At Home
Are you serving your spouse, kids, parents, or roommates?
Do you look for small, daily ways to meet their needs?
2. In the Church
If you aren’t currently serving in the local church you’re part of, consider where you might step in.
Serving doesn’t have to be formal—look for ways to meet needs, encourage others, and contribute.
3. In the Community
Your workplace, neighborhood, and city are places where God has positioned you to serve.
Service doesn’t have to be dramatic—small acts of kindness and generosity have lasting impact.
Jesus was willing to serve to the point of laying down His life. We’re called to look for any and every opportunity to follow His example and serve those around us.
Because in God’s kingdom, service is the true measure of greatness.
Closing Reflection
I want to invite you to take a moment to reflect:
Where is God inviting you to serve more intentionally?
Is there someone in your life who needs your help, encouragement, or support?
Are you actively serving in your home, church, and community?
Greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about status, success, or recognition.
Greatness is about service.
And every Christian is called to serve.
So, where is God inviting you to step in today?
Your words have given me confirmation in a calling that has been building over time. I am an introvert and elderly person. But my life has given me a special insight into race relations and working with youth. I am beginning to network to mend relationships between the white community and our Black and Brown neighbors. We simply cannot do this work of saving our democracy unless all of us can heal, atone, and move forward together. I am not important in this, but the message is.