An argument arose among them (the Disciples) as to which of them was the greatest… Jesus, knowing…their hearts, took a child…by His side and said…“Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him [God] who sent Me…he who is least among you all is the one who is great…John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us…Jesus said…“Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
Luke 9:46-50
Today, we look at two short “teachable moments” where the Disciples argued among themselves and John telling of someone, not a disciple, casting out demons. Apparently, while the group was walking, an argument arose among them as to the greatest one among them, next to Jesus, of course. Luke reminds the reader that Jesus knows the hearts of people and He put a small child beside Him to use as an example for His teaching about servanthood. In Jesus’ day, children were more like property, as slaves were, than kids today. Children were taught, usually by a teacher-slave in the house or, by the mother or, in a small community, by a designated woman of the community. So, Jesus takes this lowly child by His side to point out that treating any lowly person, of any age, is to be done with brotherly love, respect and dignity for the individual. In doing this, you humble yourself and become like the least person present. Jesus says that the least among you is the one who is great. For the Disciples, it was to tell them to stop arguing among themselves and help one another in all things, as Jesus was doing in His earthly ministry. Then, John, identifying himself by name, unusual, tells Jesus of seeing someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name. John said that the person was told to stop. Jesus simply says that anyone who is for you cannot be against you at the same time. As Christians, our lifestyle should reflect our Savior and Lord, Jesus. He lived humbly and showed compassion for all people, even those who hated Him and crucified Him. Showing humility toward people gives them a sense of your respect for them and opens ways for you to witness to them. And, when it comes to someone, maybe not even a Christian, helping a Christian in ministry, let us be grateful for their help and they maybe become a Christian themselves.
Source: S C Ball February 4, 2023
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