Who is the Greatest Disciple?

Who is the greatest disciple of Christ? It’s a question that feels ancient, yet surprisingly modern. We still wrestle with status, recognition, and influence—sometimes even in the church. In Matthew 18, Jesus offers an answer that turns our assumptions upside down and gently calls us back to humility.

Who Is the Greatest Disciple of Christ?

At some point, many of Jesus’ followers began wondering who ranked highest among them. In other words, who would be closest to power? Who would sit nearest the throne?

That question wasn’t limited to outsiders. Even the 12 disciples struggled with it. In that way, they weren’t much different from us. They were thinking in earthly terms. Every kingdom has a ruler, then someone second in command, and then everyone else falls in line.

However, Jesus had a completely different way of describing the kingdom of heaven.

“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

That statement alone would have stopped the conversation cold. But Jesus wasn’t finished yet.

The Disciples Argue About Who is the Greatest

Matthew gives us the full context of this moment:

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” (Matthew 18:1)

Instead of offering a name, Jesus did something unexpected.

“And He called a child to Himself and set him before them.” (Matthew 18:2)

Then He explained what greatness truly looks like in God’s kingdom.

“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

Greatness, according to Jesus, has nothing to do with position. It has everything to do with humility.

A Warning Worth Hearing

Jesus also added a sober warning about how seriously God takes this childlike faith.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

This wasn’t just about children in age. It was about believers who trust Him simply and sincerely.

What About the “Best” Church?

Not long ago, there were more than a dozen churches in my small South Carolina town without pastors. Many had split or were struggling to stay unified.

Sadly, church divisions seem common today. People leave one congregation hoping for peace, only to find similar struggles waiting somewhere else.

Disagreement Among Believers

I don’t claim to be an expert on church leadership. However, one issue appears again and again—power and authority. When influence becomes more important than service, conflict is almost guaranteed.

The “Top Family” Problem

Sometimes a small group, or even a single family, wants control over every major decision. New ideas may be introduced, but often with the expectation of staying in charge.

While fresh ideas aren’t wrong, the process can quickly become political instead of spiritual.

The Disciple Trap

The disciples fell into a familiar trap. They became so focused on leadership roles and recognition that they forgot why Jesus called them in the first place.

It’s easy to stay busy “running” ministry while slowly drifting away from its heart.

A Humble Child Is Our Mentor

Jesus brought everything back into focus by pointing to a child. He wasn’t asking His followers to act childish. He was calling them to trust Him fully—without pride, competition, or hidden agendas.

Children don’t worry about status. They don’t obsess over secondary issues or personal recognition. They simply believe they are loved.

Pure of Heart Discipleship

Coming to Christ with an open heart—free from rivalry and ambition—remains the clearest picture of true discipleship.

Committees, plans, and programs have their place. Yet they should never replace worship, humility, and genuine fellowship.

The Real Reason for Church

We gather to worship God and to love one another. Without those two things, everything else loses meaning. When we forget that, we end up asking the same question the disciples asked: Who is the greatest?

Prayer Can Help

The good news is that God is eager to help us overcome pride and division. The first step is to pray. He forgives us when we fall into competition. He draws us back together when we ask. So, let’s focus on God today and forget about whether or not we’re the “greatest“.

Love in Christ,
Bob

If you would like to discover the love and life-changing message of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16 and see what God is offering you.

To find more life lessons like this one, please visit the homepage of Making Christ Known.

*Verses from New American Standard Bible (NASB).