Who is the Greatest?

On the internet a while back ago, I encountered a questionnaire that asked one question to the person and that was, “What is the best country in the world?”  And you simply answer.  But my question is what is considered “the best?”  The best in what?  Are we answering this question based on education, politics, medical care, retirement, happiness, financial needs, welfare, job opportunities, freedom, religion?  Anyways, my answer was obviously biased, because I answered The United States of America as the best country.  But I didn’t base it on any of the categories above, I answered because I loved the people and the freedom of individual autonomy, and power of influence.  Now I understand that someone else would answer this simple question differently, and answer a different country, which is fine.  It is hard to measure what is the best or greatest country in the world.  We all have certain biases on what is the best or greatest. 
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A few Sundays ago, we encountered a passage that the disciples were arguing who was the greatest disciple.  Jesus, of course, hearing this, responds that if you want to be great you must be last for the first will be last and the last will be first.  He continues to reiterate that being last means you must be a servant to all, put other needs ahead of your own.  And Jesus continues to tell the disciples, that anyone who accept s a child would be the greatest.  A child is Jesus’ metaphor to represent the weak, forgotten, voiceless, and vulnerable in the society. 

I like Jesus’ answer because His answer is as simple as it gets.  It is straightforward and honest and regardless of our biases, Jesus says to help one another, no matter what.  Jesus holds no judgement but only wishes that everyone that encounters Him and learns about Him will understand that what He requires is for every person to put others needs ahead of themselves.  That is true greatness. 

Take care of each other and take care of the world.  Yes, the world... the little creatures that God has places before us to be caretakers of those little ones.  Remember God’s instruction in Genesis, to be caretakers and “namers” of the creatures here below.  They are directly influenced by our human activity.  We move into next Sunday to celebrate World Communion Day, that day is for all people to recognize God glory and the savior of the world, Jesus Christ.  But this day isn’t just for us humans, it is also for all of the creation… the world, the world that includes people, animals, plants, and even inorganic materials such as mountains, valleys, and seas.  This upcoming Sunday, people, mountains, and all creatures bow to the one true God, creature of all, and redeemer of all. 

It is easy for any of us to be bias and focus World Communion Sunday to be a day for us humans… but it is a day for all creation, God’s creation to come together and worship.  Mountain bow down, even the wind and waves listen to Jesus’ voice “to be still!”  So, let's remember once again what Jesus says, “To be the greatest, you must become servant to all.  Anyone who welcomes a child is the greatest.”  So, let's make this world worthy of God’s holiness and a reflection of God’s care and love by taking care of each other and all of creation.  Show compassion on all people, animals, and the earth.  That is be responsible and be caring.

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