Luke 9-D “An Argument Arose”

S = Luke 9:46-48 “An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”

O = An argument arose (not a logical discussion but an emotional dispute)…is it possible that all arguments are about the same subject—who is the greatest? Inside, we think that we are the greatest or should be, and that pride and passion manifests itself in quarrels and conflict (James 4). Jesus knew “the reasoning of their hearts.” Jesus had complete knowledge of them and of me. He knows my internal dialogue and reasoning. His solution that day was to show that by receiving one who doesn’t help your status in the word’s eyes, you actually receive or welcome Jesus. Imagine that welcoming Jesus and the Father into our hospitality!

A = As I read this passage I am reminded of the neighborhood child that asked me if I could play basketball this last week and I said that, “No I couldn’t do it today.” I was, in effect choosing to not receive Jesus into my hospitality because I thought my agenda was greater. Jesus knows the reasoning of my heart in times like this and speaks gently to challenge my heart to open to others in order to open to him.

P = O Lord, you know my heart and the pride and foolishness that creeps in. Yet you love me nonetheless. Thank-you for the grace, and thank-you for the growth, that comes through your gentle correction. May I see your majesty as present in even the most humble of faces and in the least expected of places. May I be more available to your incognito appointments this week! Amen.