As we get older in life, we carry more responsibility, which often leads to us carrying more scars and reasons to be suspicious of others. Cynicism can take over our hearts and cloud how we see others in need. However, Jesus invites his disciples to surrender that posture and embrace children and their example.
In Mark 9:33-37, we read this:
“After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?” But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
Don’t you love the way this Bible passage so honestly points out the disciples' embarrassment to admit what they’re arguing about? Jesus already knew, but he invited them and nudged them forward.
Questions to consider:
Where am I likely to be cynical about others?
Why did Jesus teach them to welcome children as a way to welcome God?
If Jesus already knows what’s on my mind as I go through my day, how would he invite me to walk and talk differently tomorrow?
An action step to take:
List some of the people who you are likely to see or spend time with this week. Ask God to show you how to treat them like beloved children of God.