Matthew 23:1-12
What makes a great leader? Who do you think is a great person? Some people have the word “great” attached to their name. You may have heard of Alexander the Great was a ruler of the Greek kingdom of Macedon. He led his army across Africa and Asia 300 years before Christ. He created one of the largest empires in world history from Greece to India. Why was he called “the” great? I guess it was because he built a large empire and dominated much of the world. Then there was a queen called Catherine the Great. She was the empress of Russia for 34 years in the 1700’s. Why? Because Russia flourished under her reign. She is revered as Russia’s greatest female leader. Muhammed Ali claimed to be the greatest at least when it came to boxing. He publically challenged his opponents and in his prime was never defeated in the boxing ring.
But are the only great people those who rule empires or those who can knock out their opponents with a punch? Not at all. Think for a moment of great people in your life. Who is on that list? With them in mind, what makes them great in your eyes? What is it about them? What characteristics do they have? But what about you? Would you consider yourself a great person?
