Child-like, Not Childish

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." (Mark 9:35-37)

It's probably because I really need a nap, but the first thing that struck me in this verse was "sitting down." Why do you suppose the author thought it important enough to include this? Would Jesus' statements following made any difference had he remained standing? Or maybe it is simply to show that he was tired. He had just spent a long day dealing with people, and we know how exhausting that can be. Then he tried to clue his best friends in on what was troubling him - his death was approaching and he knew it, and they totally didn't get it. Instead, they argued amongst themselves about which one of them was his favorite. So, when they finally got to where they were staying that night, I wonder if Jesus was a little bit fed up. He tried to get them to admit to what they argued about, but no one would. And can you blame them? Who would admit to being so juvenile as to fight about such a thing? "I'm better." "No, I am." "He likes me more." "Does not." "Does too." "Nu-uh." "Ya-huh." The disciples had to have felt like such fools at that moment.

So what does Jesus do? He tells them about the importance of serving each other and then he sees a child and tells the 12 they need to welcome a child.

What? Isn't that what they were just feeling stupid about? They were acting like spoiled children on the road, then they felt bad about that, then Jesus tells them to act like children? I wonder how confused they were!

To the 12, within 2 short statements he informs them that he knew EXACTLY what they were fighting about, and that, even though they feel stupid now for acting so childish, they are on the right track - they just need to take that idea even further. "Yes!" Jesus says. "Act like children. But not in a jealous, self-seeking way. Be like the child in your pursuit of me - have an innocent, full-bodied pursuit of holiness."

I know there are a lot of other ways to take these verses, but today, this view appeals to me. Perhaps because I can identify with the 12 who fought about which one of them was better and I can identify with the moment of Holy confrontation, when I feel foolish and like a child. I appreciate the message God has for me in this - "yes, be like a child, Erin, but not in this way. Be like a child in how you love me." Then I see images of my children squealing and running to the door when I get home after a short absence, or the joy they express at time spent with me, or the quiet, tender moments of snuggling, wrapped up together on the couch. Oh, yes, Father... let me love you like that.