Jesus’ Invitation For All To Be Great In His Kingdom
I. GOD INVITES EVERYONE TO BE GREAT IN HIS KINGDOM
19 Whoever breaks (consistently) one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be
called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches (encourages) them, he shall be called
great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19)
A. God invites “whosoever” or literally everyone to be great in His Kingdom. This is a primary teaching in the Sermon
on the Mount (constitution of the Kingdom; Matthew 5-7).
B. We cannot repent of the desire for greatness because God designed our spirit with this longing. We must repent for
seeking greatness in a wrong way. We must also repent for neglecting to seek greatness (simply because Jesus designed
and called us to be great in His sight).
C. Without the paradigm of being on a journey to greatness, the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle is much more difficult
to sustain. It is the “north star” to keep us focused on our journey.
6 For he who comes to God must believe that…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6)
D. Jesus revealed a new paradigm for greatness. We are to focus on being great in His sight rather than in the sight of
men. We understand that this greatness will be fully manifest in the age-to-come not in this age. Our greatness will be
based on our heart responses not on natural gifting and resources and thus, it is available to everyone (whoever
Matthew 5:19; 20:26-27; 23:12).
E. God invites us to greatness without regard to our outward achievements or the size of our ministry impact. Rather,
it is based on the development of our inner man in love, meekness, and revelation or in righteousness, peace, and joy in
the Spirit (Romans 14:17).
F. Jesus taught that there would be a range of degrees of glory and greatness in God’s Kingdom including those who
are called the least and the greatest. Our rewards in eternity greatly differ from one another. (The largest star known is
the Pistol Star, which has a mass about 100-150 times that of the Sun, and is about 10 million times brighter).
41 There is one glory of the sun…and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in
glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:41-42)
G. The opportunity for promotion and greatness in God’s sight is available to all. We must pursue it in the right way
through obedience to God and meekness (servanthood).
26 Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 Whoever desires to be first
among you, let him be your slave. (Matthew 20:26-27)
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12)
H. Jesus taught on God’s invitation for our greatness more than any other man in Scripture. He spoke on this directly
and indirectly as He called people to become great (Matthew 5:19; 18:4; 20:25-26; 23:11; Mark 10:42-43; Luke 6:23, 35;
9:48; 22:26); to receive riches with God in heaven (Luke 12:21; 16:11; Revelation 2:9; 3:18); to be ruler over many things
(Matthew 25:21; 23); to have authority over cities (Luke 19:17, 19); to have power over nations (Revelation 2:26-27); to sit
on Jesus’ Throne (Revelation 3:21); to inherit authority over part of the earth (Matthew 5:5); to be first in authority and honor
(Matthew 19:30; 20:16, 27); to gain treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20; 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:33; 18:22); to receive
rewards (Matthew 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18; 10:41-42; 16:27; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; Revelation 22:12); to be exalted (Matthew
23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14); to receive honor from the Father (John 12:26); to be one of the few who are chosen for honor
(Matthew 20:16; 22:14); to gain crowns (Revelation 2:10; 3:11); to gain heavenly garments (Revelation 3:4-5, 18; 16:15;
19:7-8).
I. Living in light of receiving reward in heaven and being great in God’s sight is a major theme in the Sermon on the Mount
that is emphasized in Matthew 5:5, 12, 19, 46; 6:1, 4, 6, 18, 20; 7:2).
J. Our reward is partially given in this life and mostly in the age-to-come. However, when God does release tokens of our
reward in this life, it is mostly by a release of His Spirit in our inner man and secondarily it is increased blessing in our
circumstances (more honor, money and comfort). It is common for the few who do focus on receiving God’s rewards to put
most of their emphasis on receiving rewards in this age in their circumstances instead of their inner man.
II. CENTERPIECE OF GOD’S PURPOSE: BRING HEAVEN AND EARTH TOGETHER
9 Having made known to us the mystery (hidden plan) of His will… which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in
the… fullness of the times He might gather together in one ALL things in Christ, both which are in heaven
and which are on earth--in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
A. The centerpiece of God’s eternal purpose is for Jesus to come back to fully establish His Kingdom rule over all the
earth as He joins the heavenly and earthly realms together. God’s purpose has always been for God and His people to
live together in this way. This is the interpretive key to understanding the End-Times.
B. Heaven speaks of the supernatural spirit realm where God’s power and presence are openly manifest. It includes the
realm of angels and is the place believers go for the last 2,000 year as a “temporary holding pattern” for disembodied
spirits. The saints do not have a resurrected body in heaven because they do not need one to relate to the environment of heaven.
C. Earth: speaks of the material physical realm as the place where human process and human emotions and physical sensation
reach their fullest expression. The earthly realm requires a resurrected body to fully relate to it.
III. THE NECESSITY OF UNDERSTANDING JESUS’ EARTHLY REIGN OVER ALL NATIONS
A. The Millennium speaks of a literal 1000-year period in which Jesus rules all the nations on earth as He rules every
sphere of life (political, social, agricultural, economic, spiritual, etc.)
4 I saw thrones, and they (saints of Rev. 19:14) sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I
saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus…they lived and reigned with
Christ for 1,000 years. 5…This is the first resurrection. 6 …They shall be priests of God… and of Christ, and
shall reign with Him 1,000 years. (Revelation 20:4-6)
B. This period of global blessing is initiated by Jesus' coming to establish a 1000-year period of righteousness,
prosperity, and unprecedented blessing for the whole earth as Jesus restores life to conditions seen in the Garden of
Eden (Revelation 20:1-6; Isaiah 2:1-4; 9:6-9; 11:1-16; 51:1-8; 60-62; 65:17-25; Psalm 2:6-12; 110:1-7; Matthew 5:5; 6:10;
17:11; 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:21). The Millennium is a term that speaks of a literal 1000-year period in which Jesus rules the
earth (millennium is from the Latin “mille” or ‘a thousand’ and “annus” ‘a year’).
C. At this time, all the kings of the earth will be born again and will worship Jesus (Psalm 72:11; 102:15; 138:4;
148:11; Isaiah 60:10-11, 62:2; Revelation 12:5; 15:4; 21:24).
D. Scripture emphasizes that the saints (with resurrected bodies who are counted worthy or considered faithful during
their life on earth) will be given leadership roles so as to reign with Jesus on earth in the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation
2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6; 22:5; Matthew 19:28; 20:21-23; 25:23; Luke 19:17-19; 22:29-30; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3;
2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 8:17).
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He
shall rule them with a rod of iron… (Revelation 2:26-27)
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne… (Revelation 3:21)
4 They (saints) shall see His (God’s) face… 5 They shall reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:4-5)
27 The kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the saints… (Daniel 7:27)
E. Jesus will be the King over all the other kings in the Millennium (Revelation 19:16). In other words, Jesus will govern a
worldwide Kingdom from Jerusalem in partnership with two sets of kings: the Millennial kings with non-resurrected bodies, and
the resurrected kings (saints).
5 Jesus…the ruler over the kings of the earth (Millennial kings). To Him who loved us…6 and has made us
(resurrected saints) kings and priests to His God and Father. (Revelation 1:5-6)
15 The seventh angel sounded: there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have
become the kingdoms of our Lord…17 (the 24 elders) saying: "We give You thanks, Lord God…because You
have taken Your great power and reigned.” (Revelation 11:15-17)
10 I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation…and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His
Christ have come, for the accuser…has been cast down. (Revelation 12:10)
F. The two functions most emphasized for the saints are: priests and kings (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6).
5 To Him who loved us…6 and made us kings and priests to His God and Father. (Revelation 1:5-6)
10 Have made us kings and priests to our God…we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10)
G. As priests, the saints will worship, intercede and communicate the knowledge of God to others i.e., non-resurrected
people on the Millennial earth and saints and angels in the New Jerusalem.
H. As kings, the saints will reign (rule) with judicial responsibility and authority. This role involves authority to evaluate
the past (judging) and to determine action plans for the future for the people and areas that they are over. The ruling
saints will appoint people into positions in the infrastructure that are within their sphere of Kingdom responsibility. This will
include training and managing the people who are appointed. The saints will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:2).
2 Do you not know the saints will judge the world?…the world will be judged by you…3 Do you not know
that we shall judge (evaluate) angels? (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)
28 Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration (re-birth of the earth beginning in Millennium),
when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on
twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. " (Matthew 19:28)
29 I bestow upon you a kingdom…30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on
thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:29-30)
IV. LIVING IN THE NEW JERUSALEM WHILE REIGNING ON EARTH
A. The saints’ will live in the New Jerusalem, yet rule with governmental responsibilities on earth.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven (New Jerusalem)... (Philippians 3:20–21)
B. What kind of body will the saints have? A solid material body with supernatural abilities (Luke 24:15, 30-31;
John 20:14-15, 26; 21:4-5). Resurrected saints will relate to but not fully co-mingle with those in natural bodies.
Inhabitants on the Millennial earth (with non-resurrected bodies) will work closely with saints with resurrected bodies.
Marriage will continue among those in non-resurrected bodies. Those with resurrected bodies will not be given to
marriage. Jesus spoke with His disciples for forty days in His resurrected body (Acts 1:3). Sometimes spirit beings
(demons and angels) appear in the natural realm to interact with people in natural bodies.
V. HAVING A RIGHT VIEW OF AUTHORITY IN THE MILLENNIAL GOVERNMENT
A. Some see authority as a way to establish their own honor before people. This is a secular view of authority that is
based on the “pride of being over people.” A godly person obviously would not see any value in seeking this type of
authority and rewards in heaven.
B. In the Millennial Kingdom, the Father entrusts to Jesus the mandate to bring all nations under God’s authority and to
fill them with His goodness and glory (1 Corinthians15:24-28).
C. This mandate is very precious to the Father and the Son. Therefore, Jesus’ view of authority (ruling) is related to
walking out this intimate partnership with His Father and His people as He establishes on the earth that which is so dear to
His heart. Think of one you love and admire; you would want to work closely with that person to glorify God and enrich
people’s lives.
D. The Bridal paradigm of authority and reward is to be with Him where He is and doing what He is doing. It is being
involved in what He calls precious. We will enjoy each step of the process of working closely with Jesus to bring the earth
under the Father’s authority. Jesus has great joy in working closely with His people. The saints will have the authority in
the infrastructure to make important life enhancing decisions that determine the quality of life for many. We will have joy
in possessing the ability and authority to impart the Father’s values to those He loves.
21 Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many
things. Enter into the joy (enjoyment) of your Lord. (Matthew 25:21)
VI. WAYS IN WHICH THE SAINTS WILL BE REWARDED IN THE AGE-TO-COME
A. There will be a vast range of degrees of glory, reward and greatness in God’s Kingdom.
41 There is one glory of the sun…and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:41-42)
B. The measure of God’s glory will be manifest in our resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:41-42; Matthew 13:41-43,
Daniel 12:2-3).
C. Our work assignment and authority (over nations, tribes and cities, etc.) will bring us in close proximity to Jesus
(Matthew 19:28, 30; 20:16, 27; 25:23; Luke 19:17-19; 22:29-30; Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21; Daniel 7:22, 25-27). This will
influence the measure of impartation of power and wisdom that we operate in. Some will be exalted with authority and
honor (Matthew 5:19; 18:4; 20:25-26; 23:11-12; Mark 10:42-43; Luke 6:23, 35; 9:48; Luke 14:11; 18:14; 22:26).
D. We will receive varying praise from God (John 12:26; 1 Peter 1:7; Matthew 25:21, 1 Corinthians 4:5).
E. We will receive crowns (1 Corinthians 9:25, Revelation 2:10; 3:11; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Timothy 4:8).
F. Our communion with Jesus will vary according to the degree that we have the spiritual capacity to receive from Him
as the Morningstar (Revelation 2:28; 22:16; Genesis 15:1).
G. Our garments have varying dimensions of God’s glory (Revelation 3:4-5, 18; 16:15; 19:7-8).
H. We will receive riches, treasures and rewards in heaven (Matthew 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18, 20; 10:41-42; 16:27; 19:21;
Mark 9:41; 10:21; Luke 6:23, 35; 12:21, 33; 16:11; 18:22; Revelation 2:9; 3:18; 22:12). This will include the location and
design of our heavenly dwelling place.
I. Our history with people will be cherished in eternity (1 Thessalonians 2:19; Philippians 2:16; Luke 16:9).
VII. THIS LIFE IS AN INTERNSHIP THAT GIVES US OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE MEEKNESS
A. Life in this age can be likened to a 70 year internship (Ps. 90:10) which prepares us for our life on earth in the age
to come. Our next stage of life in the Millennium is when our primary ministry calling begins. This primary ministry
assignment will last for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6).
B. In our 70 year internship, we have two issues that we are to determine in the grace of God. First, to decide if we
want to be in God’s family as voluntarily lovers. Second, to decide if we want to function in Jesus’ government (initially for
1,000 years in the Millennium, then for all eternity). The measure that we develop in love, meekness, and revelation (of His
Word) determines our place, function and glory in His eternal government
VIII. THE CALL TO GREATNESS BY OBEYING GOD IN THE LEAST AREAS
17 Do not think that I came to destroy (nullify or minimize) the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy
but to fulfill (bring their full intentions to full expression). 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth
pass away (renovated by fire at the end of the Millennium), one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from
the Law (Word) till all is fulfilled (embraced and expressed in God’s people). 19 Whoever breaks (consistently)
one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of heaven;
but whoever does and teaches (encourages) them, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:17-19)
A. Jesus came so that the fullness of what God originally intended in each of His commandments would be fully
expressed in the lives of His people. God always wanted His commands to be obeyed in the inner life of His people. Israel
reduced them to refer only to externals issues.
29 Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments,
that it might be well with them and with their children forever! (Deuteronomy 5:29)
B. The least of God’s commandments are in contrast to those perceived as His great ones. In other words, some
commandments are seen as great or significant by men because they overtly impact other people (for example, laws that
have social consequences i.e., do not murder, steal or commit adultery). The great commands in the eyes of people are
the ones that have the greatest consequence in society. These commands receive the greatest emphasis among God’s
people.
C. The least commandments emphasize the areas of our life that are “esteemed as least” in importance to men. God
intended that they dynamically impact even the “least” (private) areas of our life. The least commandments speaks of
those that are “least honored” (least emphasized or obeyed) by God’s people because they focus on the hidden and
private issues of our heart. Jesus gives insight into the “least areas” in the remainder of the Sermon on the Mount. These
include the least or private issues of our heart (Matthew 5:21-48) and our devotional activities (Matthew 6:1-21).
D. One important aspect of ministry is to help people be great in God by teaching them to diligently and consistently
obey what seems like the least of God’s commands.