Jesus said “will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19) to show that true greatness comes from obeying God’s commands and teaching others to do the same. Greatness in heaven isn’t about status but about faithfulness, humility, and living out God’s Word.
When Jesus spoke about being “great in the kingdom of heaven,” He was teaching that greatness isn’t measured by wealth, fame, or influence. Instead, it’s measured by obedience to God and helping others walk in His truth. This teaching flips the world’s idea of success upside down, showing that humility and faithfulness matter most to God.
The heart of His message is that living out God’s commands and teaching them to others reflects genuine love for God. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply a believer striving to live faithfully, you can be considered “great” in God’s eyes. Keep reading to see how this verse shapes our understanding of discipleship, rewards, and what it truly means to live for the kingdom.
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When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He made one of His most striking statements about greatness. In Matthew 5:19, He said:
“But whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
This wasn’t about fame, power, or status like the world measures greatness. Jesus tied greatness directly to obedience and teaching God’s Word. If you’ve ever wondered what He meant, let’s walk through it step by step and see what the Bible actually says.
The Context: Jesus and the Law
Before this verse, Jesus explained His relationship to the Law:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
The religious leaders of His day often twisted or watered down God’s commands. Jesus reminded His listeners that God’s Word was still valid and would never disappear until everything was accomplished. He then made it personal—how you respond to God’s Word affects your standing in His kingdom.
So when He said “will be called great,” He wasn’t talking about earthly recognition. He was describing honor in God’s eternal kingdom.
What Does “Great in the Kingdom of Heaven” Mean?
Greatness in God’s kingdom is different from greatness in this world. Here’s the contrast:
- Worldly greatness: wealth, power, fame, influence.
- Kingdom greatness: humility, obedience, faithfulness, and teaching others truth.
Jesus flipped the script. In Matthew 23:11 He said, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” True greatness is measured by service, obedience, and leading others closer to God.
So, “great in the kingdom of heaven” means being honored by God because you faithfully lived out His commands and helped others do the same.
Why Jesus Emphasized Practicing First
Notice the order in Matthew 5:19—“whoever practices and teaches these commands.”
Jesus always linked obedience before teaching. Why? Because teaching without obedience is hypocrisy. The Pharisees were guilty of this. Jesus later said about them:
“They do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3)
If you want to influence others, you must first live out what you teach. Your life validates your words. That’s why Jesus stressed practice first, then teach.
Teaching Others: A Core Part of Kingdom Greatness
Jesus didn’t say, “Whoever practices these commands will be called great.” He added, “and teaches.”
This shows that greatness isn’t just about private obedience. God values those who also guide others to truth.
Think about how this works:
- A parent teaching their children to love God.
- A pastor or teacher guiding a congregation.
- A believer sharing Scripture with a friend.
Teaching doesn’t always mean standing behind a pulpit. It means passing on what you know and live out. That’s kingdom greatness.
Biblical Examples of Kingdom Greatness
The Bible gives us several examples of people considered great in God’s eyes—not because of worldly success but because of obedience and influence:
- Moses – He practiced God’s commands and taught Israel, even though he wasn’t perfect (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).
- Daniel – He remained faithful to God’s law in Babylon and influenced kings (Daniel 6:10, 28).
- Paul – He not only obeyed Christ but devoted his life to teaching others (2 Timothy 4:7).
Each of them lived faithfully and taught others, and that’s the pattern Jesus endorsed.
Key Lessons from Matthew 5:19
Let’s break it down clearly. To be called great in God’s kingdom, Jesus highlighted two conditions:
- Practice God’s commands
- Live with integrity.
- Obey not only the “big” commands but also the “least.”
- Don’t compromise for convenience.
- Teach God’s commands
- Share truth with others.
- Model godly living so people learn by watching.
- Use your influence—big or small—to point others to God.
This means greatness is possible for every believer, not just leaders. If you obey and influence others to do the same, Jesus says you’ll be called great.
What About Being “Least in the Kingdom”?
Earlier in the same verse, Jesus warned:
“Anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19a)
This is the opposite of greatness. Those who ignore or minimize God’s commands—and even lead others to do the same—still belong to the kingdom but with diminished honor.
It’s a sober warning: how you treat God’s Word matters deeply.
How This Applies to You Today
You might wonder, “What does this mean for my daily life?” Here are some practical ways to live it out:
- Read Scripture daily – You can’t practice or teach what you don’t know.
- Apply what you learn – Even small commands matter. Don’t just admire God’s Word—obey it.
- Teach your family – Parents especially have a role in passing faith to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
- Influence others – Whether at work, church, or among friends, let your life be a living lesson of God’s Word.
It’s not about perfection but about consistent faithfulness.
Jesus’ Vision of True Greatness
Jesus redefined greatness in a way the world will never fully understand. Instead of self-promotion, it’s about:
- Humility: recognizing God’s authority.
- Obedience: living by His Word.
- Teaching: helping others follow Him.
If you do these things, Jesus Himself says you’ll be called great in His kingdom. That’s the highest honor anyone could ever receive.
Final Thoughts
When Jesus said, “will be called great in the kingdom of heaven,” He was giving you a roadmap to eternal significance. Greatness isn’t about recognition here—it’s about faithfulness there.
By practicing God’s Word and teaching it to others, you’re aligning your life with what matters most to God. And in His kingdom, that’s what earns true greatness.
10 FAQs About Why Did Jesus Say “Will Be Called Great in the Kingdom of Heaven?” [What the Bible Actually Says]
1. Why did Jesus say “will be called great in the kingdom of heaven”?
Jesus said this in Matthew 5:19 to emphasize that those who not only keep God’s commands but also teach others to follow them will be honored in God’s kingdom. It’s about obedience and helping others walk in truth.
2. What does “great in the kingdom of heaven” mean according to Jesus?
It refers to honor, recognition, and reward from God for those who faithfully live by His Word and lead others to do the same. It’s not greatness by worldly standards but by God’s values of obedience and humility.
3. Does being “great in the kingdom of heaven” mean salvation?
No. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9). Being called “great” speaks of reward and recognition, not entrance into heaven itself.
4. What commands was Jesus referring to when He said this?
Jesus was referring to God’s law and commandments as revealed in Scripture. At the time, that included the Law of Moses, but Jesus also pointed to His teachings as the true fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17).
5. How can someone be called “great in the kingdom of heaven” today?
By faithfully living out God’s Word, practicing what Jesus taught, and helping others grow in their obedience to Christ. This includes teaching by example and sharing biblical truth with humility.
6. Is “being great in the kingdom” the same as having high status in heaven?
Not in a prideful sense. Jesus often said the greatest are those who serve (Matthew 23:11). Greatness in heaven is measured by obedience, humility, and faithfulness—not by earthly measures of power or wealth.
7. Did Jesus contrast greatness with being least in the kingdom?
Yes. In Matthew 5:19, Jesus said those who break God’s commands and mislead others will be “called least,” while those who obey and teach them will be “called great.”
8. Does teaching others God’s Word play a role in being “great in the kingdom”?
Yes. Jesus made it clear that greatness is linked to both practicing God’s Word and teaching it faithfully to others (Matthew 5:19).
9. Can ordinary Christians be “great in the kingdom of heaven”?
Absolutely. Greatness isn’t reserved for preachers or leaders. Any believer who obeys Christ and shares His Word with others—through daily actions, encouragement, or teaching—can be considered great in God’s kingdom.
10. What lesson should we take from Jesus’ words about being “great in the kingdom”?
The main lesson is that God values obedience, humility, and faithfulness over human achievement. True greatness is found in living by God’s Word and leading others to do the same.
