Today’s scripture: Luke 9:46-48 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Human beings are the only creatures on earth that allow their children to come back home. –Bill Cosby
There are only two things a child will share willingly: communicable diseases and his mother’s age. –Benjamin Spock
Jesus had a different perspective on children. He thought that children could be good role models for us adults.
I agree that children can be interesting little people. They see life so differently from the way we, wise adults, see it. They take just about everything at face value. They have not yet learned prejudice, distrust, or dissimulation but are usually humble, unambitious, and simplistic. Children believe that if someone is good at playing, doesn’t hit or bite, and knows how to take turns, then they can be buddies. They don’t care if you’re poor, of a different ethnicity, or even go to a different church; we can all splash in the mud puddles together.
This is the way I imagine the scenario of the disciples arguing about “who is the greatest” played out one day. Jesus is relaxing under a tree when he hears one of the disciples say “When the time comes, I’m going to sit at Jesus’ right hand in his kingdom.” Another disciple says “Why you? I’ve been with him longer than you have.” Another said, “I’ve prayed more than any of you. I should sit at his right hand.” Another “I was with him while he was performing miracles!” and on and on until Jesus has had enough.
Jesus sits there thinking “How can I show them what God’s kingdom is all about?” He looks up and children are playing in front of him. He sees them laughing and enjoying each other’s company. He sees one little boy share his toy with another. He sees a fight break out over something but before he could get up and go see what the problem was, they had made up and were playing again. Another older group is building something, working together, talking it through. “Ahh” he thinks, “this is what the kingdom of God should look like! People laughing and having fun; people working together and getting things done. People sharing; not caring who you are or where you come from. Yes, they disagree but they make up, forgive, and move on. This is what my disciples should understand.”
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer for the day: God, let me never be childish, but let me strive to be childlike. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.