What is True Humility?
The Debate About Greatness
Arguments about greatness are nothing new. Whether it’s about the best athlete, artist, or leader, people have always been drawn to the question, “Who’s the greatest?”
In Luke 9:46–50, even Jesus’ disciples were caught in that same debate. After witnessing His miracles and hearing His teaching, they began arguing about which one of them was the greatest. Imagine that. In the very presence of the Son of God, they were worried about their own rank.
Instead of rebuking them harshly, Jesus offered a lesson that flipped their understanding upside down. He called a child to Himself and said,
“Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me... for the one who is least among you all, this is the one who is great.” (Luke 9:48 NASB)
In the Kingdom of God, the way up is down.
Pride vs. Humility
Jesus wasn’t just teaching His disciples about hierarchy. He was revealing the heart of God.
In His Kingdom:
Pride leads to competition and comparison.
Humility leads to grace and unity.
Pride says, “Look at me.”
Humility says, “Look at Him.”
Pride fights for position.
Humility serves with purpose.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. Though He was the Son of God, He took the lowest position, washing feet, serving others, and ultimately giving His life on the cross.
“Pride will gain you position among men, but humility will gain you favor with God.” —Pastor Anthony Lucarini
The Call to Humility
We live in a world that celebrates being first, being noticed, and being right. But Jesus invites us to a better way, a way marked by surrender and service.
The disciples wanted to make names for themselves. Jesus wanted to make room for others. When we follow Him, we learn that greatness isn’t about climbing higher but stooping lower.
When we start with humility, we create space for God to lift us up.
“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” — James 4:10
Reflect
Where do you see pride showing up in your life right now, in subtle or obvious ways?
How does Jesus’ example redefine what “greatness” looks like for you?
What might it look like this week to choose humility over competition or comparison?
Who can you serve today that the world might overlook?
Pray
Father, thank You for showing us that true greatness is found in humility. Jesus, You did not seek position; You took the lowest place and served. Help me follow Your example. Expose pride in my heart and fill me with the grace to live for Your glory, not my own. Teach me to start each day with surrender, to guard against pride, and to confess quickly when I fall short. In Jesus’ name, Amen.