What are the marks of greatness? Recently I spoke with a friend who has retired from the military. For over 20 years Lyn and his crew maintained aircraft and kept them flying safely, efficiently, and effectively in the wide blue yonder. Lyn named several top commanders that he had met personally. One of the “top brass” would walk into a room and demand that everyone salute and grovel at his feet. To me, that is not a mark of greatness. Respect is not demanded it is earned and given freely. Those who serve humbly and selflessly, like Lyn, are the truly great people.

Who are some of the great men and women you have met? Some of the great men and women that have touched and influenced my life probably wouldn’t be known to you. But they are known to God. Hazel Mathias, a Sunday school teacher who taught children to love God, to memorize scripture, and pray, was a great woman in my eyes. Dr. Mark Buntain who built a hospital and ministered to the street people in Calcutta, India and set an example of the power of prayer was a great man. Corrie ten Boom was a great servant of God. She constantly demonstrated trust in God by her life. Perhaps the greatest man recorded in the Old Testament was Moses. Study his life. He was called Moses the servant of God. He is said to be the meekest man who ever lived.

What are the true marks of greatness? Jesus revealed those marks of great men and women. Let’s consider some that are listed in Mark 10.

First – SERVANTHOOD is a mark of greatness according to Jesus. When the disciples were arguing over who would be the greatest and be granted the privilege of being seated next to Jesus on his throne in the kingdom of God, Jesus replied, “You know that in this world kings are tyrants and officials lord it over people and the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:40-45). The mark of true greatness is a servant’s heart. Jesus set the example by washing his disciples’ dusty feet. (John 13:5) Jesus left the glories of heaven to die a painful death on a cross for our sins. Do you have a servant’s heart?

Second – SACRIFICE is a mark of greatness. One day a very wealthy young man came and knelt before Jesus. He asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life. After telling Jesus that he had faithfully kept all the commandments of God, Jesus loved him, ’But one thing you lack,’ said Jesus. ‘Go sell everything you have and give it to the poor, then come and follow me and you will have treasures in heaven’” (Mark 10:17-27). The young man went away sad because he had great riches – rather great riches had him. Without exception great men and women have paid some sacrifices in life. To follow Jesus we must give up our all to Him. He gave his all for us. Great people count the cost and determine that it’s worth it. A young missionary once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Third – SIMPLICITY is a mark of greatness. Even in the natural world a mark of greatness is the ability to take complex things and simplify them so others can understand and make them work. Jesus was a master of that.

When parents brought their children to Jesus for him to bless, the disciples stopped them. Jesus was very displeased with them and said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you, anyone who doesn’t have their kind of faith will never get into the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:13-15 NLT). God will judge those who offend, abuse, and kill these innocent ones” (Mark 9:42).

What characteristics of greatness do children display? First, children display a simple childlike faith and trust. Secondly, children display humility. A truly great person will be unassuming and humble. “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else” (Mark 9:35). Jesus taught, “Blessed are the meek (humble) for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Simplicity is what God honors. Simple trust and humility is greatness in God’s estimation.

Fourth – SUFFERING is a mark of greatness. Most people of greatness have suffered much. But not suffering for sufferings sake. What must be the true motivation for suffering? “If I give all my possessions to feed the poor and if I deliver my body to be burned but do not have love it profits me nothing.” The Word of God explains true love as the motivating force of suffering and greatness. (I Corinthians 13:1-8) Paul surrendered to it. (Philippians 3:10)

True suffering is redemptive. Jesus came to suffer and die for the sins of the world. He told his disciples beforehand what would happen to him and why. (Mark 10:32-34) Jesus revealed a baptism of suffering. (Mark 10:38) His followers would drink of the same cup of suffering (Mark 10:39) But those who suffer with Christ will reign with him. (Romans 8:17)

Why did Jesus come to earth? Not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) Those who receive his ransom and serve others as He did bear the marks of greatness.