December 13 “Welcome Child”

Luke 9:46-48 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all –  he is the greatest.” 
 
THE disciples had a listening problem. A short time before this, the Father had told Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” (Luke 9:35b) Think of it. From that moment, would you listen closely and take notes on all Jesus would say?
   Soon after the Father’s instruction, the Son said to his disciples, “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44) The Father told the three, “Listen to him.” The Son told the Twelve, “Listen carefully.” The Lord of Heaven then spoke of his servant humility to die.  
   That brings us to the above conversations. First, each disciple apparently wanted the others to serve him. Debating which one “would be the greatest” is a sure sign they had not listened to the Father nor the Son but to their sinful pride.  
   Surely Jesus was saddened and perhaps frustrated with their prideful hearts. The Teacher then used a living illustration to teach his disciples a third listening lesson. He put before them a child and said, “Welcome this little child.”
   Children are vulnerable. They need care. What happens when you welcome a child into your home – whether a newborn baby or a child who needs a home? Your welcoming heart is prepared to meet the child’s needs. You become servant-like to respond to unexpected needs. In a like manner, to welcome one into a relationship, your life or your church is to say, “I am honored to be with you. I am eager to get to know you. I want to care for you as I am able.” A welcoming person is of a servant’s mind, ready to respond.
   Listen to Jesus’ illustration here. Know a welcoming spirit is the pathway to true greatness in God’s Kingdom. Live in joy to know that by his bloody death on the cross, the Son has opened the door for the Father to welcome you into his house.
   John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
   Then listen to this second “child-like” illustration. A child-like faith is required to enter the Father’s house. Luke 18:17 “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  
   Listen to Jesus, the Living Word. Be as a child to receive his truth. Welcome Christ into your life. Then be prepared to welcome others into your life to serve them as you are able. In this welcoming way, you will show the Son. Then people will see the Father.   
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, Son and Spirit for speaking to me. Open my heart to listen closely to each word you give to me. Amen.