Word@Work Luke154 - Luke 9:46-48
Published: Mon, 07/26/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
LESS IS MORE
Luke 9:46-48 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and made him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." (NIV)
Self-interest always produces arguments (or unexpressed resentment, bitterness and frustration). Perhaps Jesus' selection of Peter, James and John to join Him at the recent transfiguration might have triggered this ego-surge; and Jesus' predictions about His suffering (Luke 9:44-45) made them worried. Although Jesus was not present when the argument broke out, He knew all about it. So at a convenient moment, He used a child to demonstrate the principles by which His Kingdom operated. Those values would turn worldly standards upside down: or more correctly - the way of the world has so corrupted God's way, that we need God's truth to turn us the right way up!
In putting the child next to Him, Jesus was not saying that we should worship children, or that children are angels who are able to usher us into God's presence! He was simply making the point that as He welcomed children and honoured them, the disciples should do the same. And if they honoured a little child, then they should honour each other by providing whatever kindness was required. Greatness, according to Jesus, is not marked by power but by service, particularly to those who do not appear to deserve it.
Jesus provided the greatest example. He served and honoured us, unworthy sinners, by obeying Father God in suffering for us on the cross. If that is true (and it certainly is!), all ideas of power struggles amongst believers are quite out of order. Nobody has any right to claim superiority over others when our Master humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-8). It may be more complicated when church organisations have to comply with secular regulations, but the principle still stands - greatness is measured in sacrificial service. So, one of the best ways of showing friends and colleagues what following Christ means, is to be humble enough to serve them and even to serve those people whom they despise.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for doing so much for me even though I have not deserved any of it. I am amazed at the humility of Christ; even though He was so great He humbled Himself to suffer for me. Please forgive me when I think that I am more important than other believers, or shirk my responsibility to serve those You put in my way. Help me to be refreshed by the truths in today's passage so that I may serve You by serving others however unworthy they may appear to be. In that way, may those who have yet to welcome You, desire to know You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Self-interest always produces arguments (or unexpressed resentment, bitterness and frustration). Perhaps Jesus' selection of Peter, James and John to join Him at the recent transfiguration might have triggered this ego-surge; and Jesus' predictions about His suffering (Luke 9:44-45) made them worried. Although Jesus was not present when the argument broke out, He knew all about it. So at a convenient moment, He used a child to demonstrate the principles by which His Kingdom operated. Those values would turn worldly standards upside down: or more correctly - the way of the world has so corrupted God's way, that we need God's truth to turn us the right way up!
In putting the child next to Him, Jesus was not saying that we should worship children, or that children are angels who are able to usher us into God's presence! He was simply making the point that as He welcomed children and honoured them, the disciples should do the same. And if they honoured a little child, then they should honour each other by providing whatever kindness was required. Greatness, according to Jesus, is not marked by power but by service, particularly to those who do not appear to deserve it.
Jesus provided the greatest example. He served and honoured us, unworthy sinners, by obeying Father God in suffering for us on the cross. If that is true (and it certainly is!), all ideas of power struggles amongst believers are quite out of order. Nobody has any right to claim superiority over others when our Master humbled Himself to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-8). It may be more complicated when church organisations have to comply with secular regulations, but the principle still stands - greatness is measured in sacrificial service. So, one of the best ways of showing friends and colleagues what following Christ means, is to be humble enough to serve them and even to serve those people whom they despise.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for doing so much for me even though I have not deserved any of it. I am amazed at the humility of Christ; even though He was so great He humbled Himself to suffer for me. Please forgive me when I think that I am more important than other believers, or shirk my responsibility to serve those You put in my way. Help me to be refreshed by the truths in today's passage so that I may serve You by serving others however unworthy they may appear to be. In that way, may those who have yet to welcome You, desire to know You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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