“Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.” Luke 22:24

The greatest? Most people believe that phrase was coined by Mohammed Ali. So who was Ali? He was not only a phenomenally talented boxer, but someone who backed up his own predictions and rantings with his talent. He labelled himself as ‘the greatest’ in an era before social media, yet his fame and notoriety spread and he spawned a legion of follows and challengers all wishing that they had said it first.

In contrast who did the bible say was the greatest and who said it. The bible tells us in Luke 22:24;

“Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.”

The disciples were vying amongst themselves to be given this title, yet Proverbs 27:2 says;

“Never praise yourself. Let others do it” ERV

Sure, in the case of Mohammed Ali, initially a lot of his talk and brash, sometimes alarming statements were mind games for the detriment of his opponents, but in the end I think he probably believed he was. He did do great things in the name of sport and humanity and many commentators in the press today have given him many laudable titles. In the end though, the final words which I feel conclusively sum up this discussion, are words spoken by Jesus found in the gospel of Matthew 18:4;

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Let us be careful with our words.

Jason Waller sings an acoustic version of 'God is great'. Click on the picture to listen.

“Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.”