Greatness

<p>Cuthbert is a much-loved figure in northern England. Responsible for evangelizing much of the area in the seventh-century, Cuthbert counseled monarchs, influenced state affairs, and after his death the city of Durham was built in his honor. But Cuthbert&rsquo;s legacy is great in more ways than these.</p> <p>After a plague ravaged the region, Cuthbert once toured affected towns offering solace. Readying to leave one village, he checked if there was anyone left to pray for. There was&mdash;a woman, clutching a child. She had already lost one son, and the child she held was nearing death too. Cuthbert took the fevered boy in his arms, prayed for him, and kissed his forehead. &ldquo;Do not fear,&rdquo; he told her, &ldquo;for no one else of your household will die.&rdquo; The boy reportedly lived.</p> <p>Jesus once took a small boy into his arms to give a lesson on greatness, saying, &ldquo;Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name&nbsp;welcomes me&rdquo; (Mark 9:37). To &ldquo;welcome&rdquo; someone in Jewish culture meant to serve them, the way a host welcomes a guest. Since children were to serve, not be served by, adults, the idea must&rsquo;ve been shocking. Jesus&rsquo;s point? True greatness resides in serving the smallest and lowliest (9:35).</p> <p>A counselor to monarchs. An influencer of history. A city built in his honor. But perhaps heaven records Cuthbert&rsquo;s legacy more like this: A mother noticed. A forehead kissed. A humble life reflecting his Master.</p>