Whoever receives this child

Whoever receives this child in my name receives me. 

Football players know the value of staying low to the ground.   For instance, try picturing two evenly matched linemen at the line of scrimmage.  Usually, it’s the one who crouches lower who is able to hold his ground.

The same is true in the kingdom of God. Crouching low in humility gives you a strategic advantage.   The disciples hadn’t learned that yet.   Still thinking that higher was better, they argued over who was the greatest among them.   But Jesus rewrote the rules when he equated receiving a lowly child with receiving him.

“Going low” is powerful for this simple reason:   it’s the place where we’ll find Jesus.   It’s the place where we’ll find the One who “emptied himself” to walk among us and who “humbled himself” by accepting death on a cross (Philippians 2:7, 8).   It’s the place where we’ll find the One who came to care for “the poor,” the “captives,” and “the oppressed” (Luke 4:18).   It’s the place where we’ll find the One who came “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).   The more often we lay down our ego and our agenda, the more often we will find God’s grace and the ability to love the people around us.

Is there a situation in which you need to give up pride or self-centeredness?   Perhaps you have been holding a grudge for far too long.   Perhaps you have been avoiding someone who needs your help.   Or maybe you need to pay closer attention to the needs of the people around you.   Take just one step today, and trust that God will take care of you.

You don’t need to protect your position.   You don’t always have to get in the last word.   Take the lower place beside Jesus.   Be quick to listen and serve.   And watch for the Lord to bring you close to him.   Listen for his quiet voice:   “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Word Among Us