Who is the Greatest? A Lesson for Missionaries on Unity and Humility
In the Gospel of Luke, we find an intriguing moment where the disciples are caught in a conversation about who among them is the greatest. Luke 9:46 says, "An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest." This discussion must have been bewildering to Jesus, who had just spoken about His coming suffering and death. Yet, His closest followers were preoccupied with rank and status.
This story is a profound lesson for anyone in ministry or mission work today. Just as the disciples got sidetracked by their human ambitions, we as missionaries can easily fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others or engaging in "turf wars." But this passage teaches us that such behavior is a betrayal of the very Gospel we are called to live out.
The Heart of the Issue: Misplaced Priorities
The disciples' debate about greatness reveals a deep misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. In their minds, greatness was about status, power, and position—familiar markers of worldly success. They imagined Jesus’ kingdom in terms of human empires, where influence and proximity to leadership determined one’s value. But Jesus’ response redirects them (and us) toward God’s kingdom principles: “He who is least among you all—he is the greatest” (Luke 9:48).
In ministry, we may fall into the same trap. We may focus on who is leading the biggest team, who has the most converts, or whose ministry is the most recognized. This is the same error the disciples made. We’re tempted to rank success by visible achievements rather than the unseen work of God in hearts. But God is not concerned with outward appearances or competition. He is focused on humility, servanthood, and the faithful proclamation of His message.
Missionary Turf Wars: A Distraction from the Gospel
When missionaries find themselves in “turf wars” over territories, resources, or influence, it’s a sign that we’ve lost sight of our true purpose. A turf war occurs when different individuals or organizations begin to act as if they own certain aspects of ministry or mission work. It can happen when ministries compete for recognition, funding, or geographical reach, treating mission fields as if they belong to them.
But as followers of Christ, we are called to labor in unity, not division. We are all workers in God’s vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), serving the same King and pursuing the same goal: the advancement of God’s kingdom. The mission is never about our personal glory, but His. Turf wars in ministry distract us from the real battle we are fighting—the spiritual battle for souls—and can lead to jealousy, discontent, and division, all of which weaken our collective witness.
Unity: The Mark of True Discipleship
Jesus modeled and taught unity among His followers. In John 17, during His high priestly prayer, Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers, asking the Father that “they may be one as we are one” (John 17:11). This unity is not just a practical necessity for accomplishing tasks—it’s a testimony to the world of God's love and the authenticity of the Gospel. Jesus says, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).
When missionaries and ministries bicker over who is the greatest or whose mission is more successful, we betray the message of Christ. The world is watching, and division within the Church undermines the Gospel’s power to reconcile, heal, and restore.
Humility: The Foundation for Effective Ministry
At the heart of unity is humility. When Jesus corrected the disciples, He used a child as a visual aid for His lesson in humility. In that culture, children had no status, no authority, and no claim to greatness. Jesus’ point was simple: the path to true greatness in God's kingdom is through humility, servanthood, and the willingness to put others above ourselves.
As missionaries, we must be vigilant against pride and constantly remind ourselves that we are servants of the Lord, called to a work that is far bigger than our individual contributions. Our work is about advancing the kingdom of God, not our personal legacy or reputation.
Humility also fosters collaboration. When we recognize that we are all laboring in God’s harvest field, we can appreciate the unique roles and strengths of others, instead of viewing them as competition. We can partner together, knowing that the ultimate goal is not personal achievement, but the salvation of souls.
Keeping Our Focus on Jesus
Finally, as missionaries, we must constantly fix our eyes on Jesus. When the disciples argued about greatness, they took their eyes off Jesus and looked to themselves. It’s easy to do the same in ministry when we’re more concerned about how we’re perceived than how we’re serving. But Jesus reminds us that true greatness lies in following Him, serving others, and laying down our lives for the sake of the Gospel.
If we are truly following God, there is no room for turf wars, pride, or competition. There is only room for humility, unity, and a passionate pursuit of the Great Commission. Let us strive, not for personal greatness, but to make the name of Jesus great in all the earth.
In the end, the question should not be, "Who is the greatest?" but, "How can we make Jesus known?" The answer to that question will guide us in unity, humility, and faithful service to God's mission.