Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus had just foretold, for a second time, his impending passion (cf. Luke 17:22-23). But unlike the first time he talked about his passion, (cf. Luke 16:21-23), the disciples were able to grasp the seriousness of the matter (a great sadness came over them). The disciples realized that Jesus was not pulling a fast one on them. Jesus was serious. And this must have made them to think out aloud: if Jesus, a rabbi and worker of miracles, clearly a man who was sent by God was going to undergo a fate such as Jesus had described, then what was the whole point of what they were doing? Who was “untouchable” in the kingdom? Who was the greatest in the kingdom?

The disciples must have been mulling over the implication of Jesus’ impending passion when they approached Jesus with the question about greatness in the kingdom. If Jesus, their master was going to be subjected to mistreatment and persecution, then it was likely that they too would meet the same fate. Some of the disciples might have thought that joining Jesus was a means to greatness. Apparently, from Jesus’ talks, that was not the case. What, then, is the route to greatness? “The great ones,” Jesus told them, “are those who claim no entitlement. The kingdom belongs to those who are grateful for every single thing that happens in their life.” The greatest in the kingdom are those who do not seek for titles or rewards for the good they do. The greatest are those who, like children, do what is theirs to do because it is the right thing to do. Jesus knew the fate that was awaiting him, but he did not le the thought of it come between him and his ministry. He was giving without counting the cost. And that is why he remained the greatest in the kingdom. If the disciples’ dream was to become the greatest in the kingdom, then they too, just like Jesus was doing, had to cultivate trust in the Father by abandoning themselves in the Father’s care.