"But We DESERVE the Recognition"

Mark 9:30-37

This link addresses this scripture in connection with the Syrian civil war refugee crisis in Europe.


This scripture is pretty much all you need to know about what it means to actually follow the way of Christ.  The disciples are on the road and Jesus is continuing to tell them about exactly what is going to happen to him, torture, death, the whole awful scenario.  And... their discussions (arguments, really) with each other center on which of them is the greatest.

When they arrive at the house where they are staying, Jesus asks them what they were arguing about and then tells them this. "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all."   The disciples had an entire afternoon of what today we might call "humble bragging" where they were telling one another why the good works they had done for Jesus might warrant them the title of greatest disciple. And as it turns out, they haven't been paying much attention in these recent days when Jesus keeps urging them to be quiet about good works.  The one who is greatest is the one who is the servant who says nothing but gives much.

Facebook and other forms of social media have taken the concept of humble bragging to new elevations. We let everyone know when we've done something good. Or fun. Or whatever. Even if we have the best of intentions in spreading the good news, it's still not the most humble of acts to post our good works.  I recently did it myself when I participated in the 9/11 Peace March in Boulder. Though I posted my message on Facebook because I was inspired to want more peace and tell everyone to want more peace, the post was also, even if unintentional, "Look at me! I did something good and worthwhile! Yay me!"

The second half of Jesus' words to his disciples drive home the clear point about where we go astray when we try to become more godly by doing good works and wanting recognition for it.  Jesus embraces a little child and says "Whoever welcomes one such child welcomes me, and welcomes not me, but the one who sent me."  Saying to the disciples, in essence, take care of the least of these. Take care and embrace and welcome those whom society has not embraced.  Do your part to embrace the community. That is how you really find favor with God. By selflessly reaching out and taking in whomever you can with a warm embrace and welcome.

Not to get a gold star. Not to win an award from the conference office. Not to 'get more people in the pews,' but just because it's what the people of God do.

There's a link to an article at the beginning of this post about this scripture as it relates to the current refuge crisis in Syria and Europe.   Clear examples of "whoever welcomes one such child" theology.  I hope you will take the time to read it.

What do we do to assist in this crisis and the crisis of human trafficking and so many other breaches of humanity that are all around us?  We should probably quit sitting around talking about it all and start welcoming and embracing instead.

What does this scripture say to you? Email me at peverhart@niwotumc.org or comment below.