Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 9:30-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 33Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"
Verse 34But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest.
Verse 35He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."
Verse 36Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them,
Verse 37"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."
Devotion
There’s an old story of a student who went to a famous rabbi and said, “Master, in the old days there were people who could see God. Why is it that nobody sees God these days?” The rabbi answered, “My child, these days nobody can stoop so low.”
It’s an old story told so often it has perhaps become no more than a familiar aphorism, its truth and power evading us. The disciples have exaggerated hopes and grand plans for Jesus and themselves.
Jesus, God who became a child, takes a child into his arms and says, here is the kingdom of heaven, wherever one like this is welcomed in my name. We are a people obsessed with privilege, power, position—within the church no less than outside it. Could this be why so few these days feel they are able to see God there? Where are you looking for God?
Prayer
Jesus, you humbled yourself and gave yourself for the sake of your creation. Renew our spirits, strengthen our will to serve, so we may give witness to your presence in this world for the sake of all your children. Amen.