Embracing Children

Mark 9:35-37

And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If any one wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” And taking a child, He stood him in the midst of them; and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name is receiving Me; and whoever receives Me is not receiving Me, but Him who sent Me.”


Observation:
Right at the moment when the disciples were discussing among each other who would be the greatest, Jesus interrupted their interesting conversation. He is not upset at the fact that they were trying to figure it out who would be the greatest. Actually He wants to help them to make a decision about that subject that pairs with His kingdom. While the disciples were considering who was the greatest among them, they probably brought to each other’s attention important matters like experience, knowledge of the scrolls, who had the more impressive records in casting demons out, who had the most potential, or who was the must trusted by the Master. Jesus corrects their thinking and points out that the rules in His kingdom are different, “whoever wants to be first, he shall be last of all.”
The disciples were puzzled as the familiar sense of “I have no clue of what you’re saying” came over them. So as an illustration, the Lord brings a child to give them a deeper and clearer insight of what being the greatest in the kingdom is supposed to look like. Jesus statement here is radical yet profound, “whoever receives one child like this in My name is receiving Me.” My question at this point is, “what does receiving children has to do with being the greatest?” Well, it has to do with everything.


Application:
Jesus reminds me this morning that in order to be first I must be last. The truth of the matter is that the context of this passage has to do with relationships. Honor in the kingdom of God comes out of the quality of relationships we are able to build. Seeking the favor and relationship of those who are strong, powerful, independent, and influential will takes us always to pursuit the first places. It will condition our hearts to be receivers, sponges, and the center of attention of these wonderful people. But Jesus is asking to receive little children. And when we learn to receive them, we will receive a deeper relationship with Jesus and the Heavenly Father.
Why little children? Well, for me is easier to understand that point because I have two roommates ages 3 and 2. They are very dependant of me for everything. I have to feed them, bath them, dress them, brush their teeth, and even change their diapers. Very often they do not listen to my instructions, and they get themselves in trouble all the time. If I’m not careful, they will get stuck under the bed, or behind the couch. Having two little children change my life completely. In order to father them properly I must have a sacrificial love that is willing to do whatever it takes in order to protect them until they are in age to become men on their own. In dealing with little children we need huge amounts of patience, humility, and unnoticed service.
Our greatness in the kingdom is determined by the kind of people we receive in our hearts. I do know people that are grown up but have in their spirit the same characteristics of a little child. They are hungry and incapable to feed themselves properly. They cannot stay clean, they cannot dress properly, they have a funny smell, and very often they will go doo doo in their pants. To be honest, I don’t want to receive such people the way God wants me to. I have enough test of my patience with my two kids. But I know that in order to serve God’s people well I must embrace broken people in their childish ways until they can heal and grow up. People like this deserve our compassion, full attention, and sacrificial embrace. Greatness in he kingdom is destined not to those who hang out with winners, makers, and shakers at all times, but to those who are willing to receive and embrace those who are weak, incapable to thrive on their own, and hungry for the love and affection that only God can offer.


PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please forgive me for the many times I intentionally avoid people that are childish in their ways and also for being so anxious to be surrounded by only the most influential people. Give me a heart for those who need your touch and that struggle in their walk with you. Let me see my own weakness in order to feed my compassion for others that are weak as me. Teach me how to be last in order to honor You. AMEN!