When was the last time you were told to “stop acting like a child”? I imagine Jesus thought this quite often about his disciples.
Jesus told his disciples, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” Their response: “What’s he talking about? You ask him. No, you. I don’t want him to know I don’t understand. Just nod and agree.” It is easy for us to wonder how they could follow this man, trust him with everything, and not be able to ask him a simple question. But, how often do we do the same?
Jesus asks the disciples about the subject of an argument. They are too embarrassed to admit they are arguing about who is the greatest among them. Sound familiar? We are too ready to judge others’ shortcomings, especially for the purpose of raising our own value. Jesus' response: “Anyone who wants to be first must be very last, and servant of all.” He places a child in the midst of the disciples and while hugging the child says, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” In other words…get your priorities in order…you are second!
Along with Easter on April 20 my family will be celebrating my aunt’s birthday, my daughter’s birthday, my birthday, and preparing for my son’s birthday on April 21. I accept my second place trophy!
You can imagine John stomping his foot, fists clenched whining about someone else driving out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus responds if they are not against us they are for us.
Jesus' response to the disciples is comforting to me. As I grow spiritually he will be patient, compassionate, and sympathetic (even when I’m acting like a child). :)
Written by Carrie Richardson
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