Christian Art | Jesus And A Child | Meditations On The Love Of Jesus Christ
Luke 9: 46-50 – Week 26 Ordinary Time, Monday (King James Audio Bible KJV, Spoken Word)
46 ¶ Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
49 ¶ And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Today’s Gospel verses follow upon Jesus’ second announcement of his Passion, which the disciples do not understand and about which they are afraid to ask Jesus. This lack of understanding and fear, a certain kind of removal from Jesus, lead into an argument among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. We may sense in these verses some jockeying for position as the disciples think of themselves apart from Jesus, as, perhaps, that which is veiled is nonetheless dimly communicated, and as the hearts of the disciples are as yet far from perfect understanding of Jesus.
In Luke’s Gospel, it is without being told the disciples’ question that Jesus knows the troubled thought of their hearts. Jesus responds to the disciples’ dispute with an answer to their question. By way of answer, Jesus takes the child and shows him to the disciples. Then Jesus teaches the disciples the lesson.
The lesson of the child is complex and carries a variety of meanings in the Gospels. We are taught by Jesus that we must become as little children if we are to enter the Kingdom of heaven. We are asked to consider what this means: to become as a child. One part of this teaching is that we must trust and have faith in God our Father. We are also called not to be so self-reliant, but rather reliant on God. We grow in humility and fellowship through our agreeing to be more like a child.
Now we are asked by Jesus to think of the poverty represented by children. The child is reliant on the will of the family which has brought him or her into being. Beyond the immediate family, a whole social structure is entailed. The child has only what others can and wish to give to him or her. We are asked by Jesus to give to this child, who is in a position of such dependency.
We are asked by Jesus to be as a child. We are asked to receive ‘this child’. We may understand this as receiving all children, and also as receiving, being kind to, all the little ones of the world, those who have no power. There is also a sense of specificity: the child is ‘this’ child, not an abstraction but a particular individual, a person. We are asked by Jesus to receive and to be kind to every individual human being as if we are receiving and being kind to Jesus, which in fact is what we then will be doing. We are taught by Jesus to see Jesus in everyone – in every individual one.
There is to be no exclusivity so long as we are with Jesus. Don’t tell other Christians not to do what they can to ask people to be with Jesus. We all have a role to play in this regard. The last thing we should want is division among Christians. All our efforts should be toward Christ.
This truth also can at times demand humility. In this teaching also we are each to become as a little child, and looking to see Jesus in everyone.
Concluding Prayer | Love Revealed By Jesus Christ
Almighty Lord and God,
protect us by your power throughout the course of this day,
even as you have enabled us to begin it:
do not let us turn aside to any sin,
but let our every thought, word and deed
aim at doing what is pleasing in your sight.
We make our prayer through our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
Jesus And A Child
In Luke 9:46-50, the disciples were arguing among themselves about who was the greatest among them. Jesus, being aware of their discussion, took a child and set him beside him, saying: ‘Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.’ This incident illustrates the importance of humility and the need to care for the weak and vulnerable, as children were often seen as insignificant in ancient times. (Still to this day in Greek, children are not grammatically masculine or feminine; there are neuter.)
Throughout the Old Testament, we see the importance of children in God’s eyes. In Genesis 21:12, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. In Psalm 127:3-5, children are described as a gift from God, and the fruit of the womb is a reward. Proverbs 22:6 exhorts parents to train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. In Isaiah 11:6-9, the prophet speaks of a time when a little child shall lead them, and the lion and the lamb will dwell together.
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was born as a vulnerable child, and Jesus’ birth was announced by the angels to shepherds in the fields. In Matthew 18:2-6, Jesus tells his disciples that unless they become like little children, they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus rebukes his disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to him, saying: ‘Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’
Over the centuries, theologians and religious authorities have commented on the significance of Jesus’ actions in Luke 9:46-50. Saint Augustine wrote: ‘The Lord sets a child in the midst, to signify that in humility is the foundation of the Christian life.’ Martin Luther said: ‘Let us learn to regard the children in our midst as Christ Himself, and treat them accordingly.’ Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, including children, saying: ‘God entrusts us to care for those who are most vulnerable: the poor, the sick, the unborn, and the child.’
Jesus’ actions in setting a child in the midst of his disciples were a powerful illustration of the importance of humility, caring for the vulnerable, and recognizing the value of even the least among us. As we strive to follow Jesus’ example, may we remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’
Divine Majesty: The psalmist begins by acknowledging the greatness of God’s name, reflecting on the divine presence and influence across the Earth and heavens. | Innocence and Humility: The psalmist marvels at the power of innocence and humility, highlighting their role in silencing opposition and adversaries. | Contemplation of the Cosmos: The psalmist reflects on the heavens, the moon, and stars as creations that inspire awe and contemplation [ … ]
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In this passage, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened. Jesus promises rest and relief, urging us to take his yoke and learn from him. Jesus’ gentle and humble heart offers rest for our souls, emphasizing that his yoke is easy and his burden light. This passage is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, who offers us rest and peace amid our struggles. Prayer Dear Jesus, In times of uncertainty and despair, I turn to you, the source of all hope. Fill my heart with your hope that transcends understanding. Help me to trust in your promises and to find joy and peace in your presence. May your hope renew my spirit and give me the strength to face each day with confidence and faith. Let your hope shine through me, bringing light to others who are in need. Amen. Personal Reflection What are the situations in your life that seem hopeless? How can you invite Jesus’ hope into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced renewed hope through your faith in Christ. Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage that speaks directly to our need for hope and rest. Jesus’ invitation to come to him is extended to all who are weary and burdened, offering a refuge from the struggles of life. This invitation is not just a call to physical rest but a deeper spiritual rest that brings peace to our souls. Jesus understands the burdens we carry and offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. The imagery of a yoke suggests partnership and guidance; by taking on his yoke, we align ourselves with him, allowing him to share our burdens and guide our steps. This partnership is marked by learning from Jesus, whose gentle and humble heart sets an example for us. The promise of rest for our souls is comforting. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed and stressed, Jesus assures us that he is our source of true rest and peace. His rest is not temporary or superficial but a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges. This promise gives us hope, knowing that no matter what we face, we can find solace in Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering our burdens to Jesus. It requires trust and faith to let go of our anxieties and allow him to take control. This surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that Jesus is capable and willing to carry our burdens. As we learn to trust him more, we experience the peace and rest he promises. The hope we find in Jesus is transformative. It renews our spirits and gives us the strength to persevere. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the nature of Jesus and his promises. It is a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others. The hope we receive from Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be a light for others who are struggling. Through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and simply being present, we can extend Jesus’ invitation of hope and rest to those around us. By living out this hope, we reflect Christ’s love and bring his light into the world. In practical terms, fostering hope involves daily practices that keep us connected to Jesus. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us to stay grounded in our faith and renew our hope. These practices remind us of Jesus’ promises and keep our focus on him rather than on our circumstances. Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the anchor of my hope. In moments of doubt and despair, remind me of your promises. Fill my heart with your joy and peace, and let your hope overflow in my life. Help me to trust in your plans and to find strength in your presence. May your hope shine in me, guiding me through every trial and illuminating the path ahead. Use me as a beacon of your hope, bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need. Thank you for the gift of your eternal hope. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ Blessing May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may His hope guide and sustain you in all things. Amen.
The thought and value of martyrdom developed within the early Christian community as a response to persecutions Christians faced from the Roman Empire. Despite persecution, many early Christians remained steadfast in faith and were willing to endure suffering and even death rather than renounce their beliefs. This willingness to suffer for their faith came to be seen as a mark of Christian devotion and piety, and the idea of martyrdom emerged as a central aspect of early Christian theology [ … ]
