The Greatest (06/18/2024)

Last night as we nine women gathered for dinner, conversation, and then bible study, we read Luke 9:46-50:

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

We spent some time discussing these passages, how they are related, and how well we live it today. We realized that we can be unwelcoming of others, we can be judgmental of others, we can be condescending of others, we can even be intolerant of others. Then we considered the question of “who are we to do that?”. A member of the group raised the line at the very center: “whoever receives this child in my name receives me and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Are we aware that our reception of others reflects our reception of the LORD?

We spoke at length about how often the disciples got things wrong. As modern disciples, we certainly are capable of following that same path. We can get so caught up in one dimension of discipleship that we neglect the others or so caught up in being “on the way” that we are judgmental of others who aren’t in step or agreement with us. It was a humbling discussion.

Our spiritual journeys hold challenges daily. Some of them involve the challenges of the environment, but most of them, if we are honest, involve the challenges of opening ourselves fully to Christ, His teachings, and His example. We use His name to identify ourselves, but would others identify us as Christ’s by our words and actions?

Our spiritual journeys are about us getting “it right.” Along the way, we are called to help others, but first we need to get it right ourselves. How can we help another if we ourselves have strayed off course?

As I pondered our discussion last evening before bed, the disciples’ argument concerning who was the greatest and Jesus’ response led me to understand that I must begin by setting down my own pride and putting on “poor in spirit,” recognizing that I need to be more humble, more cognizant of my reliance on the LORD because that is at the heart of who I am created to be and called to be. Greatest is a word I don’t need to chase. And from that position, I am called to appreciate others, love others who are also trying to find their way.

“LORD, lead me, I seek You but I don’t always know the way.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.