Luke 9:46–62: Greatness Redefined

August 10, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

What makes a person great? Wealth? Power? Intelligence? A particular skill? If I said someone was a great mom or dad, what did I see in them that led me to say that? The best question to ask is: How does God define greatness? 

Let’s consider today’s passage: Luke 9:46–62.

The disciples made an unlikely group: hard-working fishermen, a wealthy tax collector, a zealot, and others with various occupations, each with personalities ranging from impetuous to explosive. Was there constant tension? There certainly could have been! We are not sure, but we do know that a day came when an argument broke out over who was the greatest, who held the power, and who was the real leader (Luke 9:46). 

This discussion took place after Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain, where they witnessed his transfiguration. Those three were also the only disciples allowed to see Jesus raise Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Perhaps envy and a sense of being overlooked in these above-mentioned events had sparked this “Who is the greatest?” argument. 

Jesus knew what lay behind the heated dispute, so he “took a child and put him by his side and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great’” (Luke 9:47–48). A child was not usually seen as wealthy or powerful. Children did not hold authority or carry influence. They were regarded as of minor importance in the eyes of society. Jesus was requiring childlike faith and humility for anyone to belong to his kingdom. To be great, one had to be a servant of all. This was radical, countercultural teaching. The disciples wanted clout. Jesus expected humility. 

Around this time, someone who was not one of the twelve apostles was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. John objected to this display of power, reasoning that it was not appropriate “because he does not follow with us” (Luke 9:49). Ironically, in an earlier incident, the disciples had been unable to cast out a demon. Even so, John was convinced that those who were not part of the twelve should not be demonstrating Jesus’ authority. However, Jesus responded, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:50).

Luke 9:51 marks a turning point in the Gospel of Luke. The first year of Jesus’ ministry, a year of popularity, was spent in northern Israel, where Jesus showed his power and authority over sickness, demons, nature, and death. Now, as we enter the year of opposition, Jesus set out toward Jerusalem. Luke says that “when the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up,” meaning taken up to heaven in the ascension, “he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). With purpose and determination, Jesus began his journey to the cross. 

When Jesus traveled, he was sometimes accompanied by quite an entourage. Entering a small village with a large group would have overwhelmed the town. So Luke says that Jesus “sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:52–53). 

There was deep hostility between the Samaritans and the Jews. During the intertestamental period, the Samaritans intermarried with pagans, corrupting the purity of the Jewish faith. To the Jews, they were seen as biological and spiritual “half-breeds,” since they had developed their own theology and their own place for worshiping God. Because Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, the Samaritans were not interested in his message or his authority. James and John wanted to call fire down from heaven and destroy them, as Elijah had done with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kgs 18:20–40). However, Jesus rebuked the brothers, and the group went on to another village. Because of their explosive personalities, Jesus nicknamed James and John the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:16–17). 

The disciples had been riding the momentum of Jesus’ popularity. Now, as they entered a time of opposition and rejection, Jesus emphasized to his disciples that following him would be costly. One day, as they were on the road, someone came to Jesus and said, “‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head’” (Luke 9:57–58). 

This reminds us that following Jesus requires sacrificing security and comfort. 

Jesus said to another, “‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:59–60). This man’s father had not died, or else he would have been in a funeral procession. He was asking Jesus for time to take care of his family, which was a high priority for the Jews. But Jesus made it clear that following him took priority over everything else.

Another man said, “‘I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God’” (Luke 9:61–62). Jesus calls his followers to focus on the urgent work ahead in Jerusalem. There was no looking back. 

So–back to the original question: What makes a person great? In God’s eyes, true greatness is following Jesus with childlike humility and whole-hearted obedience. Everything the world considers important will rot, rust, and decay. Following Jesus leads us all the way home. 

Read and reflect on Luke 9:46–62: Where are you seeking recognition or significance instead of embracing the humble, servant-hearted greatness Jesus values?

Talking to God: Ask God to reveal areas of pride that are stumbling blocks to your faith and need addressing. 

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