Sunday, September 22, 2024

Mark 9:30-37 (Contemporary AI rewrite):

They traveled on from there and went through Galilee, but he didn’t want anyone to know where they were. He was teaching his disciples, saying, “The Son of Man will be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him. Three days after he’s killed, he will rise again.” But they didn’t understand what he meant and were too afraid to ask.

When they reached Capernaum and were in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” They stayed quiet because they had been arguing about who among them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve together, and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be last of all and a servant to everyone.” Then he took a little child and placed it among them. He hugged the child and said, “Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not just me, but the one who sent me.”

Homily in the style of Fred Craddock based on workingpreacher.org commentaries:

Sermon: Welcoming Children in Jesus’ Name

Grace and peace to you, beloved community.

Today, we find ourselves in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus offers a powerful teaching about the nature of greatness and the call to welcome the most vulnerable among us—children. The juxtaposition of Jesus’ prophetic words about his death and resurrection and the disciples’ squabbles over status serves as a poignant reminder of our human tendency to focus on power rather than compassion.

Consider the tragic case of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy whose life was cut short while playing innocently in a park. This heartbreaking event is a stark illustration of how our society often fails to protect and value our children. According to the Children’s Defense Fund, 11.6 million children in the United States live in poverty. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a clarion call for us to reflect on how we welcome children in our communities and our lives.

Jesus’ words challenge us to rethink our priorities. The disciples, caught up in their own ambitions, missed the heart of Jesus’ message. They argued about who was the greatest while Jesus was teaching them about sacrifice, love, and the radical call to serve. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? Engaging in conversations about our status, our achievements, or our importance while the needs of the most vulnerable—like children in poverty or those marginalized in our communities—remain unaddressed.

In a world that often equates ambition with success and ruthlessness with strength, Jesus disrupts this narrative. He declares, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” This inversion of social order calls us to a different kind of greatness—one rooted in humility, service, and love.

To illustrate this, Jesus brings a child into their midst. In the first century, children were often viewed as property, lacking agency and voice. Yet, in his embrace of the child, Jesus elevates the status of the vulnerable. He shows us that to welcome a child is to welcome the very essence of God’s kingdom.

Think about the children in our communities today. They are not just the future; they are our present. They are full of wonder, but also of need. They ask questions that challenge us, speak truths that unsettle us, and require our attention, patience, and love. But do we always welcome them? Or do we push them aside, valuing productivity and busyness over their presence?

Jesus reminds us that welcoming children is not simply about opening our doors to them. It’s about listening to their voices, advocating for their needs, and addressing the injustices they face. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.

Welcoming children in Jesus’ name means engaging in the difficult conversations about poverty, racism, and inequality. It means supporting policies that protect and uplift the vulnerable. It means showing up in the lives of children who are struggling, just as Jesus showed up for those in need during his ministry.

As we reflect on this calling, let’s consider the question posed to the disciples: “If you had to choose—justice and anonymity, or injustice and fame—which would you choose?” In a world that often rewards self-interest and recognition, may we choose justice. May we choose to stand with those who are marginalized, just as Jesus did.

Today, let’s commit to welcoming children not only in our homes and congregations but also in our hearts and our actions. Let’s be the kind of community that embodies the love and compassion of Christ, welcoming the vulnerable without expectation, and creating spaces where they can thrive.

In doing so, we not only honor the children among us; we welcome Jesus and the One who sent him. Together, let us build a kingdom where every child is valued, heard, and loved.

Amen.

Mike