Matthew 18:1-5

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: "Whoever makes himself humble like a child is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Anyone who welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me."

The gospel of Matthew reports that when the disciples ask Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" he tells them they must be like children. The same argument among the disciples is reported in the gospels of Mark and Luke. In Mark 9:33-37 and Luke 9:46-48 Jesus also points to the humility of a child and tells his disciples that they must serve others to be first. The synoptic gospels agree that to be a follower of Jesus is to be a servant.

Christians fail to live up to this call, but the teaching remains one of the great challenges of the church in every generation. In our time, when the world values assertiveness and success, can we dedicate ourselves to serve others?

Grace and peace...Bob