The one who is considered the least among you is actually the greatest. It had been a tough day for the disciples. Not only had they failed to heal a boy possessed by a demon (cf. Luke 9:37-43a), they were also too slow to understand the mystery that surrounded the mission of Jesus (cf. Luke 9:43b-45). And as they took a short break to regain their strength, they naturally found themselves engaged in some idle talk (a perfect means of putting the events of the day behind them). Jesus, who must have been within earshot, found himself drawn to one particular discussion that he thought was quite interesting: the disciples arguing on who amongst them was the greatest. Peter might have said it was he because he was the one who professed Jesus to be the Christ of God. The brothers James and John might also have said it had to be them because they were among the three who had accompanied Jesus to the room where Jairus’ daughter was lying dead. Levi might have said he was the greatest because Jesus had had supper in his house. Judas might have contributed by saying that he was the greatest because he was entrusted with the savings of the group. Philip and Andrew might also have said it was one of them since they could speak Greek. It was a discussion that might have went on without end had Jesus not stepped in to teach them a thing or two about real greatness. 
True greatness lies in one’s disposition before God and others. He/she who is greatest is the one who comes last in consideration, he/she who might even be “invisible” to others. The greatest is the one who does not compete for positions, he/she who is contented with where he/she is as well as what he/she has. The greatest is the one who realizes his/her weakness and vulnerability and then decides to stay on her/his side of the fence. Such an individual never picks fights or quarrels, never steps on others’ toes, and is quick to apologize and ask for forgiveness when he/she is in the wrong because he/she recognizes his/her need to be forgiven. This is what the twelve had failed to understand. They were yet to come to terms with the fact that they had been called not to be above others but rather to be servants. And until that time when they would come to recognize this, true greatness would remain elusive to them.