Scripture:
Luke 9:46-50 (WEBBE)
“There arose an argument among them about who was the greatest of them. Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.”
Reflection:
In this passage, we encounter a moment of revelation about true greatness and inclusion in the Kingdom of God. The disciples are arguing about who among them is the greatest, a reflection of their struggle with pride and status. Jesus uses this moment to teach them—and us—a profound lesson about the nature of true greatness and the inclusivity of His mission.
The Quest for Greatness: The disciples’ argument about who is the greatest reveals a common human tendency to seek status and recognition. Their focus on greatness is misplaced, as it reflects a misunderstanding of Jesus’ teachings about leadership and service.
The Lesson of the Child: Jesus takes a child and places him beside Himself, using this act to illustrate a radical redefinition of greatness. In Jesus’ view, greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about power or status but about humility, receptivity, and service. By receiving and valuing a child—someone considered insignificant in society—Jesus shows that true greatness comes from a heart that embraces the least and serves others selflessly.
Receiving Jesus and the Father: Jesus connects receiving the child with receiving Him and, by extension, the One who sent Him. This teaches us that our treatment of others, especially those considered lowly or insignificant, reflects our relationship with Jesus and God the Father. It underscores the idea that our faith and relationship with God are expressed in how we treat and serve others.
Inclusivity of the Mission: John’s report about stopping someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group reveals an attitude of exclusivity. Jesus corrects this by stating, “He who is not against us is for us.” This highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus’ mission and the need to recognize and support those who are working to advance God’s Kingdom, even if they are not part of our immediate circle.
Personal Application: As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to reconsider our own attitudes toward greatness and inclusivity. Are we seeking status and recognition, or are we embracing humility and service? How do we respond to those who are working for God’s Kingdom, even if they are not part of our immediate group? Are we treating others with the love and respect that reflects our relationship with Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for teaching us about true greatness through the example of the child. Help us to embrace humility and service in our pursuit of greatness, and to recognize that true greatness comes from valuing and serving others selflessly. Guide us to be inclusive in our support of those who work for Your Kingdom, regardless of their affiliation with us. May our actions reflect our relationship with You and the Father, and may we live in a way that honors Your call to greatness through humility and love. In Your name, Amen.
Application:
- Reflect on your own understanding of greatness. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking status or recognition? How can you shift your focus to embrace humility and service?
- Consider how you respond to those who are working for God’s Kingdom. Are you supportive and inclusive, or do you tend to exclude those who are not part of your immediate group?
- Evaluate your treatment of others, especially those who are considered lowly or insignificant. How can you better reflect your relationship with Jesus through your interactions and service?
Verse for Meditation:
“Whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.” (Luke 9:48, WEBBE)