You spoke again of Your impending death to the disciples (Mark 9:30-37) . But on the road, their thoughts and discussion centered on which of them would be the greatest in Your kingdom. You asked them what they were disputing but they remained silent. No matter how clueless or off target we are, You do not give up on us and graciously continue to teach/disciple us. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all”. This was a radically foreign premise; to lead one must serve? Then You continue to rock their world by taking a child in Your Arms (how safe and inviting You must have been for a child to go willingly to You) and said,” Whoever receives one of these little children in My Name receives Me, and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me”. A child?! Receive a child?! A child has no status, no power, no wealth. But You placed great value on these little ones. You placed great value on a service that rarely yields immediate results. You placed great value on a dedication that is often overlooked and not esteemed by society. But it is a service You deem worthy, a high calling, an honor of great significance and importance.

Lead by serving. Highly value the privilege of receiving children. A serious exhortation to us all. Let us not be deceived into thinking or acting in any other way.