Whilst on the way to Capernaum, Jesus noticed that the disciples were in heated discussions . Even though he knew what they were arguing about, he asked them specifically, hoping to draw a confession from them. However, they were too afraid (or perhaps guilty) to admit that they were arguing about who will be the greatest.
Knowing what was on their minds, Jesus then said : “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and be the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). The disciples at that point, were very confused with Jesus’ statement ….. They wondered how to be last , in order to be first and how, becoming a servant of all will ultimately be the greatest. There’s no doubt that Jesus’ remarks baffled the disciples’ minds.
On Maundy Thursday, when they saw Jesus kneeling down to wash their feet, only then did they fully comprehend his remarks on “being last and being a servant of all” ; it is only through such acts of humility and servanthood can one be ranked as greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 18:4)
Jesus made reference to little children because they have no qualms with displaying truthfulness, genuine love and spontaneity. Their sincerity, humility, genuineness are qualities which our Father, so treasured and look for in all of us. Lest we pushed these small ones aside, ignored them or chided them for being noisy, distractive, childish or subject them to ill treatment or caused them to sin, let us be reminded of Jesus’ warning in Matt 18:6, to anyone who tried to harm these little ones.
By Belinda Syn