What does it mean to be great? Probably the most common way that the world defines greatness is through accomplishments. You might go back into ancient history and think about Alexander the Great, because he conquered the known world by the time he was 33 years old, and then wept that there were no more worlds to conquer. Or you may think about Thomas Edison with over a thousand patents to his name. Or consider Einstein and his amazing discoveries in quantum physics.

Others might say real greatness is all about power. In Jesus’ time, Caesar Augustus was considered truly great because of all the power he held. In the modern world, you might look at United States Presidents because, after all, there is no position more powerful in the world than that!

Or is there?

Actually anyone can become great. Perhaps not in the world’s definition – perhaps not even in your own definition. Jesus tells us how: “…whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.” Jesus – the greatest man to ever exist says He didn’t come to be served; He came to serve, even to the point of trading His life for our salvation. What, you might ask? What’s so great about serving others? There was a time even in our American history when servants were considered just plain ordinary.

Well, let me tell you – the greatest man was also the greatest servant. And that is what He calls us to do. No self-accomplishment, nothing you can conquer, no patent or scientific discovery, no worldly power, not even a President – nothing in this earthly world can be considered truly great in the eternal. Follow the footsteps of Jesus. Serve your fellow man. That’s the only lasting road to true greatness.