What Does Greatness Look Like?

Opening Scripture

At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.'

— Matthew 18:1-6

Question 1: What Were the Disciples Arguing About?

Ask: When the disciples came to Jesus in Matthew 18, what question did they ask Him? Why do you think they wanted to know this?

Expected Answer: They asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' They probably wanted to know who would have the most important position or who was the best disciple. Maybe they were even arguing about which one of them was the greatest.

Leader Notes: This question helps kids see that even Jesus' closest followers struggled with pride and wanting to be seen as important. The disciples were thinking about greatness the way the world thinks about it — who gets the top spot, who gets recognized, who is in charge. This is a very human struggle that kids this age are beginning to experience in school, sports, and friendships. Emphasize that Jesus' answer surprised everyone because it was so different from what they expected.

Application Prompt: Can you think of a time when you wanted to be the best at something or wanted others to notice how good you were at something? How did that feel?

Question 2: Why Did Jesus Use a Child as His Example?

Ask: Jesus called a child over and said the disciples needed to become like children. What do you think Jesus meant? What qualities does a child have that Jesus wants us to have?

Expected Answer: Children depend on their parents for everything — food, shelter, protection, and help. They can't do everything on their own and they know it. Jesus wants us to depend on God the same way, trusting Him and knowing we need Him for everything.

Leader Notes: This is the heart of the sermon's message. Help kids understand that Jesus wasn't talking about being immature or childish in a bad way (like throwing tantrums). He was talking about the humble dependence children naturally have. The sermon used the example of a four-year-old asking for a hot dog — she couldn't make it herself, couldn't buy the food, couldn't work the grill. She had to depend on her parent. That's the kind of trust and dependence God wants from us. We don't earn our way into God's kingdom; we receive it as a gift because we need Him.

Cross-Reference: Mark 10:15 says, 'Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' We receive God's kingdom as a gift, not something we earn.

Application Prompt: What's one area of your life where you try to do everything yourself instead of asking God (or others) for help?

Question 3: What Does It Mean to Humble Yourself?

Ask: In verse 4, Jesus says, 'Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.' What does it mean to humble yourself? Can you give an example?

Expected Answer: To humble yourself means to not think you're better than others, to admit when you need help, to put others first, and to recognize that everything good you have comes from God. An example might be admitting when you're wrong, serving someone else even when you don't get credit, or thanking God for your abilities instead of bragging about them.

Leader Notes: Humility is a challenging concept for this age group because they're developing their identities and often comparing themselves to peers. The sermon emphasized that humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less — focusing on God and others instead of constantly thinking about how you measure up. Help kids see that humility is actually freedom from the exhausting work of trying to prove you're the best. If a child struggles to think of examples, offer scenarios: letting a younger sibling go first, helping with chores without being asked, or congratulating a friend who beat you in a game.

Application Prompt: This week, look for one opportunity to put someone else first without telling anyone about it. How does it feel to serve in secret?

Question 4: How Is God's Idea of Greatness Different from the World's?

Ask: The world often says greatness means being the strongest, richest, most popular, or most talented. How is God's idea of greatness different? What makes someone great in God's kingdom?

Expected Answer: In God's kingdom, greatness comes from being humble, serving others, depending on God, and putting others before yourself. It's the opposite of what the world teaches. The greatest people in God's eyes are often the ones who serve quietly without looking for attention or praise.

Leader Notes: This question connects the sermon's main idea to the child's everyday life. Kids are constantly receiving messages from media, school, and culture about what makes someone important or valuable. The sermon referenced several passages where Jesus taught this upside-down kingdom principle (Matthew 20, Mark 10, Philippians 2, John 13). If time allows, you might briefly mention how Jesus Himself modeled this by washing His disciples' feet (John 13) — the King of Kings doing the work of a servant. Help kids see that following Jesus means living by different values than the world promotes.

Application Prompt: Name one person you know who shows humility and serves others. What do they do that shows God's kind of greatness?

Question 5: How Can You Practice Childlike Humility This Week?

Ask: Based on what we've learned from Matthew 18, what's one specific way you can practice being humble and depending on God this week?

Expected Answer: Answers will vary but might include: praying and asking God for help with something hard instead of giving up; admitting to a parent or friend when I'm wrong; helping someone without expecting anything in return; thanking God for my talents instead of bragging; asking for help when I need it instead of pretending I can do everything myself.

Leader Notes: This is the application question, so give kids time to think and respond personally. Encourage specific, concrete actions rather than vague commitments. The sermon emphasized that we begin the Christian life by grace through faith, and we live it the same way — in dependence on God. Remind kids that humility isn't something we achieve by trying really hard to be humble (that's pride in disguise!). It comes from keeping our eyes on Jesus and remembering how much we need Him. Close by praying for each child by name, asking God to help them grow in Christlike humility this week.

Application Prompt: Let's each share one way we'll practice humility this week, and then we'll pray for each other.