Once again, Jesus provides an answer that completely conflicts with the traditional views, in this case, he seems to honor children above elders (well, everyone else for that matter)!
Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
In Middle Eastern culture, positional authority is the norm, it is the what that culture is built. There is great comfort in that setting; elders are honored, parents respected, etc., but there are some obvious flaws in this system, primarily the lack of critical thinking. Jesus’ disciples, being part of that culture, see how people are honored and perhaps they are beginning to wonder when that will happen for themselves.
This is an easy trap to fall into, so Jesus quickly dispels their thoughts by requiring each to become like a child, the lowest in societal order, to be worthy of entering the kingdom.
That pretty much ended the conversation that never really started! The disciples know that they’re being rebuked and take it wisely, that is, they don’t respond at all, just listen and ponder.
Jesus lived out the idea of servant leadership throughout his entire ministry. He did this to show us that we are not the center, the God is the center and everything we do needs to reflect this reality and this great cause.
Lord, keep us humble and innocent like a child, but give us the wisdom of kings! You are for us, who can be against us? Help us to remember this truth.