The Greatest of All Time in Sport vs. The Greatest in the Kingdom of God

Common in American sports culture today is one debate to rule all debates. “Who is the greatest of all time?” Comment sections on social media are full of complete strangers stating their case for who they believe is the greatest athlete in a given sport. Podcast episodes are devoted to answering this question. Sports fans can be found at breweries, college dorms, and dinner tables passionately discussing their pick for the greatest athlete of all time. The debate itself could be considered its own competition with each side sparring until the other admits defeat or the topic changes. 

At the end of these long debates, there never seems to be a definitive answer. I’m left pondering. What are we looking for to crown such a title? What is to be gained by receiving that title? What is greatness anyway?

Greatness in the Kingdom of Sport 

As those of us often debate who should receive the title of “Greatest of All Time”, we typically begin by listing statistics, epic moments, number of championships, and any other production marker that could make a strong case for our chosen athlete. 

In the kingdom of sport, greatness is defined by hard earned accomplishments and skill that separate one athlete from competitors. 

Prior to kick off for the University of North Carolina’s football season opener, the camera focused on the suite lofted at the top of Kenan Memorial Stadium. The suite held former Tarheel athletes: Mia Hamm, Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, and of course Michael Jordan. Upon seeing the faces of these phenomenal athletes, the commentator did not hesitate to point out here are ‘some of the Greatest Of All Time in any sport’ before mentioning their names. They were displayed as UNC royalty because of their contributions to their respective sport and incredible individual achievements. 

As I watched this unfold, I realized something: Greatness is not only a heavy word to label accomplished athletes. In the kingdom of sport, greatness is associated with status. 

Greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven

The GOAT debate isn’t a 21st Century concept. Although the goat emoji cannot be found in the Bible, questions and conversations around greatness are apparent. The battle for significance and honor in society has been part of the fabric of humanity since Ancient Times.  

So, it should not surprise us when we hear that the disciples were discussing, possibly even debating, who should be the greatest in the kingdom that Jesus came to establish. 

“An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.” Luke 9:46

Given that every kingdom has a social and political hierarchy, the disciples were curious what life would look like for them under the kingdom Jesus was proclaiming. The disciples were likely searching for a formula or a clear way to earn status in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus’ response is telling.

“Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”  Luke 9:47-48

With one object lesson, Jesus challenges the power structure and formula the disciples had in mind. Children in ancient society lacked social power, were often overlooked, and utterly dependent on providers. They had the lowest position in society. However, Jesus claims those who are in this position are actually the greatest in His Kingdom. What is Jesus trying to say?

Perhaps, in the Kingdom of Heaven, the value of a person is not dependent on their place in society. You can’t earn status in the Kingdom of Heaven. Grace levels the playing field. 

We live in a world that defines greatness by earned achievements. Much like the disciples, we are constantly asking “what must I do to become great?” As sports people, we look to the athletes and coaches before us who have been labeled as GOATs for the answer. In the same way, look to Jesus to answer this question for you. 

According to Jesus, greatness is not a status to be earned then wielded for personal gain. Greatness is taking on a posture of humility and receiving the status we’ve been given in Christ. We are given a royal status through grace. (1 Peter 2:9-10) The work of the cross defines our greatness. (Ephesians 2:6)

Matthew’s gospel account of this same interaction between Jesus and the disciples offers us additional insight into how greatness and status work in the Kingdom of God. 

“(Jesus said) ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:4-5

Again, Jesus is flipping the power structure with additional emphasis on humility. Obviously, the disciples cannot literally become like little children, but they can consider what it must be like to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Not only this, Jesus also challenges them to make an effort to elevate those around them. 

So, who would Jesus say is the greatest of all time in sport?

It’s the senior who may not be getting playing time but makes an extra effort to mentor the starting underclassmen. 

It’s a team that remains after a hard fought away game to clean the locker room. 

It’s a coach who makes it a point to appreciate the contributions of the support staff. 

It’s the athlete who focuses on others and the team more than their individual accomplishments. 

It’s the parent who uses their influence to help young athletes build character focusing on development rather than winning at all costs. 

It’s the team captain who seeks to know and support the teammate who is out of favor with the team or coach. 

It’s the spectator, coach, parent, or athlete who has compassion on the referee or official who makes mistakes. 

There are many sports moments that encapsulate the kind of greatness Jesus is discussing. One includes the Olympic runner Abbey D’Agostino Cooper who was tripped by a fellow runner, Nikki Hamblin, at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Instead of responding in frustration at the loss of an Olympic dream and potential glory, Abbey bent down and helped Nikki to her feet. The two athletes helped each other to the finish line arm in arm. Following the race, Abbey was interviewed about this moment that captured the attention of the world. She said, “There was no time for decision making. It was just instinctual, automatic thought and that truly assures me that it was the power of the Holy Spirit that allowed me to respond in that way.” 

In the Kingdom of Heaven, the greatest sports people are those who do not seek to earn a status at the expense of others, but those who humbly receive their greatness from Jesus and seek to elevate those around them. 

I imagine the arguments for crowning the Greatest Athlete of All Time will rage on for centuries to come with no definitive answer on the subject. However, let the debate about the greatest in the Kingdom of God rest in the good news of Jesus who crowns us in glory according to his mercy and grace, and calls us to serve those who are considered the least in our current context. 

Reflection: As you take note of those in your sporting context, who is considered the least? Have you contemplated what it may be like to be in this position? Better yet, what does it mean to ‘welcome’ them in the name of Jesus?

For further meditation: See Philippians 2:5-11