The disciples were arguing amongst themselves about which of them was the greatest. Jesus used a child to help the disciples understand the simplicity of following him. He said, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
In this usage, “in my name” means the same as saying “in my behalf”. Jesus was trying to tell the disciples that greatness was not important; but that everyone, even the smallest and frailest of the world, were to be accepted in Jesus’ name. Those in the margins of society who have no one who even cares about them are great in Jesus’ eyes.
A child is totally dependent on others for care and protection. The sick, the widow, the orphan, the stranger, and the immigrant in need of help are the least of those among us.
The person on the street corner begging, the person sleeping on the sidewalk, the woman standing on the street who is being trafficked by her pimp in the sex trade, and the child who is screaming because they are not getting their way are to be accepted as though we were receiving Jesus himself.
Yet we typically turn our head away from them and look the other way. This is not what Jesus wants us to do. Jesus did not turn away. He healed the sick, provided someone to care for the widow and the orphan, and welcomed the stranger and immigrant.
All the least of these have one thing in common; their inability to repay us for our acts of kindness for them. This is the message of the Gospels; love God with all your heart and others as yourself. Jesus brought this message to his time, and it is for us today as much as it was when he spoke these words in person.
Are we willing to stand for the rights of others? Are we willing to speak out for those who are mistreated? Are we willing to spend time in prayer for unity and peace in our nation and in our world?
It’s simple. Jesus asks us to receive all the vulnerable in his name. When we help the vulnerable, the least of these, it will not bring us wealth of fame on earth; in fact, it might bring ridicule and hatred. Afterall, that’s what happened to Jesus.
Lord, help me to disregard the desire to be great on earth, and live life like you taught us, so you will receive me into eternal life in Heaven with you.
