Matthew 18:1-5 (NRSV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Jesus did many surprising and shocking things during his life and ministry. Placing a child in the midst of the disciples ranks up there as one of the more surprising actions. Perhaps we don’t think of it that way because of the way we value children in our time and culture; it is almost natural for us to welcome a child into our midst. However, that was not the situation for the disciples – they would have been startled that Jesus would take someone young and lift that one up as not only someone they should welcome, but also that they should become (again) like a child. Children were among the lowest rank in society.
Who would Jesus lift up today as the one whom we should become like? Who are the humble of heart that we should seek to be more like? Who is Jesus telling us to welcome into our midst?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
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