Thoughts for the Day

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.’

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Jesus and the disciples have travelled back from Caesarea Philippi in the north after their experience on the mountain (which we look at in a week!) when Jesus had taken three disciples with him. Perhaps this led to the discussion about who was the greatest, and in Peter's house in Capernaum it was one of his own children that Jesus gathered to him to use as an example of human greatness. Jesus has been teaching them that his journey would lead to his death, but they do not understand, and are completely side-tracked by worldly questions. The difference between Jesus and his disciples has never seemed greater.

So Jesus draws a small child to himself, as the type of person they should emulate. The child in Jewish society had no status as we have seen before. They were weak; dependant on others for food, clothing and shelter; and have no place in society until they attain their majority. The child stands for the humble, childlike disciple of Jesus, who Himself of course was the greatest man on earth but became a condemned criminal for our sake.

We are called to willingly be the least among many as His disciples on earth.

Lord Jesus,
help us to put aside all questions
of rank and honour,
to carry out the work You assign to us
as Your disciples,
knowing that we do Your will,
May we learn the meaning of
true humility,
looking to hear Your words
"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Amen.