What Makes Someone Great

What Makes Someone Great:

The Ministry of John the Baptist

What does it mean to be great? In our culture, we measure greatness by family name, education, bank accounts, or career achievements. We look at titles and trophies. But what does God say makes someone great?

In Matthew 3:1-12, we meet a man whom Jesus called the greatest person to ever live (Matthew 11:11). He was greater than Moses, David, and Elijah. His name was John the Baptist. Yet, by worldly standards, he had nothing. He had no church building, no staff, no wealth, and a very "unconventional" wardrobe.

John the Baptist shows us that true greatness isn't about what you accumulate; it’s about who you point to.

Greatness is in God’s Calling

John the Baptist’s ministry strategy would fail any modern marketing test. He didn't set up in a high-traffic city; he preached in the wilderness—a barren desert where basically no one lived. He wore camel hair and ate locusts and wild honey.

Despite the lack of resources and the humble setting, John was the greatest because he obeyed God fully and faithfully. He didn't wait for a building or a title to start his work.

We are often more comfortable obeying our social structures than obeying God. True greatness isn't found in your title, your location, or your resources. It is found in following your calling. We are all called to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). You might not feel "great," but you have the same "secret weapon" John had: the Holy Spirit. Most callings are humble—serving where no one applauds or staying faithful when no one notices. Like Jeremiah Lanphier, who started a tiny prayer meeting in 1857 that eventually sparked a revival of a million people, you never know what God will do with your "small" obedience.

Greatness Speaks Truth

John the Baptist’s message was simple: "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!" He didn't sugarcoat the reality of sin.

Too often today, we offer people "Sugar Milk Coffee." We take the truth of the Gospel and add so much "creamer" (cultural acceptability, vague language, and politeness) that there is barely any "coffee" (truth) left to wake anyone up. We say "everyone has issues" instead of talking about sin. We say "God loves you" without explaining why we need His rescue.

John was different. When the religious leaders—the "put-together" people—showed up, he called them a "brood of vipers." He was clear: your family line (being "children of Abraham") won't save you. Only a life of repentance and fruit-bearing matters.

The Point: Graciousness and gentleness are vital, but we must be truthful. People are tired of sugar-coated religion; they want something real that has the substance to change their lives.

Greatness Points to Jesus

John’s greatness was solidified by his humility. He told the crowds, "I am not worthy to remove His sandals." In that culture, removing sandals was the lowest task for the lowest servant. John was saying that even the most humbling job for Jesus would be a massive privilege.

His life motto is found in John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

This is the key to a healthy church and a healthy life. We can become so focused on our methods (programs, preferences, music volume, or service length) that we miss the Master. We can have excellent services with zero conviction, or perfect comfort with zero repentance.

Programs over people: We focus on the event's success rather than the encounter with Jesus.

Preferences over presence: We worry about the temperature of the room while ignoring the state of our souls.

John had no "production," but he made space for God. If we want to see God move, we must stop being busy for God and start being busy with Him.

Main Point: Greatness Makes Much of Jesus.

In God's eyes, greatness isn't about success or comfort; it is about making Jesus the center of everything you do. John the Baptist was the greatest because his entire life was a finger pointing away from himself and toward the Messiah.

Calling: Greatness is found in humble obedience, not worldly status.

Truth: Greatness refuses to water down the Gospel for the sake of "niceness."

Humility: Greatness is decreasing so that Christ may increase in your life.

Challenge

You’ve likely been praying for one person who needs to come to church. This week, take the next step. Don't just "hope" they come—offer a car ride, make a specific phone call, or ask them directly. Speak the truth to them about their need for the Master.