They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

When I was a kid, if I would do something or participate in a conversation that I knew was not right, I knew my parents would not approve. I would argue with my younger brother over a myriad of topics. I would get angry or upset at situations and respond without thinking. Sometimes, I would listen to songs or watch shows that were bad. And when I faced my parents, I was tempted to just hide it or downplay it. But this ate me up inside, my conscience convicted me. And so I would come clean.

In this passage the disciples were engaged in a selfish or self-serving conversation. It was focused on who was the greatest. I can just see them listing out their great accomplishments and skillsets for consideration. A couple of likely candidates would emerge, backed by others.

When Jesus challenges them to come clean with their selfishness, they downplay it or try to avoid being honest. So the first sin was the activity of seeking importance in the eyes of others, or pride. And the second sin was deception, hiding the truth.

Instead of directly rebuking them, Jesus, knowing what they were talking about, does a few things: 1) he asks a good question, 2) he addresses the core issue, and 3) he gives them an analogy.

In asking the question, I already mentioned he is giving them a chance to come clean. In addressing the core issue, he speaks truth to them about the most important people in God’s kingdom. Those who want to be first must be last. Position and power is not given by strength, skillsets, eloquence, or other merits. It is given by the quality of servant-like actions for others. Am I a servant leader for all?

Finally, he tells them about children. Children in this society were typically to be seen and not heard. They were paid little importance. Yet Jesus says that whoever welcomes children (the most vulnerable, needy, and weak among them) welcomes him. And really, they welcome God.

The meritocracy of heaven is dynamically different from earth. Servants lead, child-helpers are favored. People are measure on their level of compassion and grace, not power and control.

Thank you, Lord, for setting the record straight with your disciples and for us today. Help me to seek after your servant-leadership ways, everyday!