WHO IS GREAT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?

There is a crucial distinction between authority (position) and wealth. One may be wealthy without holding authority, or hold authority without wealth, or have both simultaneously. For instance, political leaders governors, councilors, ministers, mayors wield significant power and influence over their regions, including over the wealthy. Despite the abundance of resources rich people may possess, their wealth alone does not grant them authority to govern. When leaders decree “yes” or “no,” their word stands regardless of their personal riches. This illustrates that authority is not derived from wealth but from God-ordained positions.

Similarly, in the Kingdom of Heaven, there is greatness and wealth, and these two differ in meaning and significance.

Wealth in the Kingdom of Heaven

Earthly wealth usually comes through hard work, effort, and wise stewardship (Proverbs 10:4). Spiritually, wealth in the Kingdom of Heaven is gained through faithfulness and service to God. The treasures stored in heaven are the fruit of using our God-given gifts preaching the gospel (Romans 10:14-15), leading others to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), serving the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), acts of kindness, generosity, offerings, and caring for the needy (James 1:27). These are eternal treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).

Jesus teaches this in Luke 12:33 (ESV):

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.”
Here, “treasure in heaven” represents spiritual wealth stored by faithful living.

The widow’s offering exemplifies this principle (Mark 12:41–44 ESV

):
“Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’”

Theologically, this illustrates faithful stewardship and sacrificial giving. The widow’s poverty did not limit her ability to gain spiritual wealth; in fact, her sacrifice made her spiritually rich. As Jesus taught, wealth in the kingdom is not about quantity but the heart’s condition and willingness to trust God fully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven

When Jesus’ disciples asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1 ESV), He placed a child among them and said (Matthew 18:3-4 ESV):

“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.”

Jesus redefines greatness by humility and dependence on God, contrasting worldly views of power and status. Spiritual greatness is about childlike humility trusting and depending on God entirely, like a child depends on a parent (Psalm 131:1-2).

Humility before God is essential. Jesus exemplified this perfectly by submitting to the Father’s will even unto death (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV):

“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.”
Christ’s exaltation followed His humility and obedience, illustrating the principle that God exalts the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6).

Humility before others is equally vital. Jesus taught that true greatness comes through servanthood (Mark 10:42-45 ESV):

“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.”
Christian leadership is thus servant leadership, reflecting Christ’s model.

Furthermore, Jesus stated (Matthew 11:11 ESV):

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

This points to the surpassing greatness of those who belong to the Kingdom, marked by humility and faith.

The Eternal Kingdom and Reward

In the coming eternal kingdom, Christ will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelati“To the one who conquers and keeps my works until the end, I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.”

This authority reflects Christ’s own authority received from the Father (Psalm 2:8-9).

These rulers will wear many crowns (Revelation 19:12) and will govern with divine power and justice, unlike worldly rulers who often lack true authority or righteousness.

Likewise, those who have stored treasures in heaven will be honored and rewarded (Matthew 25:21; 2 Timothy 4:8). The Bible teaches varying levels of reward based on faithfulness (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Conclusion

Therefore, as believers, we should seek both greatness and wealth in the kingdom of heaven—with greatness understood as humble dependence on God and faithful service, and wealth as storing up eternal treasures through godly living and generosity.

Revelation 3:19-21 (ESV) encourages us:

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers I will grant to s

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