Perspective is something we all lack in various periods of our lives. As we live in the grace of the Gospel, Jesus mercifully reminds us that He is God, and we are NOT. This is a gracious design. Imagine if all of our own whims and desires were miraculously met. Where would that lead us?

The disciples get a healthy dose of this truth in today’s scripture. We see time and time again, that they, like us, need to hear things multiple times in multiple ways in order to really understand. Patiently, Jesus, teaches the disciples like young children. In fresh and direct ways he reminds them that their role is to serve, not be served...to truly see the marginalized and the overlooked and meet their needs. In what specific ways, as we apply this truth to our own lives today, can we live it out?

[Luke 9.46-48]

46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ As this passage begins, Jesus has told his disciples twice that he would be betrayed, suffer, and die in 9.22 and 9.44. The scripture says the truth was “hidden from them” in 9.45. In the context of this scripture, why might that be?

+ Jesus also told His disciples a few verses previous, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me” [Luke 9.23]. What does the argument in verse 46 illustrate about the disciples willingness to sacrifice?

+ This Jesus who stills the winds and waves, heals the sick, feeds the thousands, and teaches with authority also reads the minds and hearts of His disciples. What do you think He saw?

+ What might He see in your heart and mine, today?!

+ Who did Jesus bring to the disciples as a tangible metaphor in verse 47? And why might have Jesus done this?

+ What did the disciples, and other adults in their time think about children? How can we know?

+ How is the word “receive” used? What is the relationship between parties each time it is used?

+ Who is “great” in the line of receiving as Jesus ends this teaching?

+ How does that radically change their original idea about greatness?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Where have my thoughts or actions shown my desire to be the greatest?

+ What idol is the root of these thoughts or actions?

+ Has Jesus convicted me of this before?

+ Is there a brother or sister in Christ who can hold me accountable in this area?

+ Is there a Scripture that will remind me of a truth I need to remember?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who might welcome a call, a coffee, a meal, or a text to remind them of God’s love for them personally?

+ Who may I have overlooked or marginalized this week?

+ As I repent and believe again, how can I intentionally and lovingly serve that person?