How often do we try to put our best face forward to God, to look our best, but then fail to express our deeper doubts or concerns or questions? While this is very normal in a human relationship, it can keep us from truly getting close to God. Besides, He already knows what we are thinking, so why don’t we just be honest with God about all of our concerns and questions?
33They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37“Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”
The disciples struggled at times like we do. They made similar mistakes and had similar issues to overcome in their walk with Jesus. There were times when they did not feel comfortable answering His questions or asking their own… as if He did not already know. In today’s scripture we see an example of how gracefully Jesus addresses the situation. He first invites them to talk, then He just addresses the subject of the conversation they did not want to admit to Him they were having.
We should not overlook the particular here, as it is very significant. Greatness in the kingdom of God is not the same as greatness in the eyes of men. To be great for God means being servant of all. Further, to receive God we are not to do so with reservations and caveats, but as a little child does, wholeheartedly and without doubts. What a powerful message. Jesus did not want to miss the teaching opportunity with His disciples.
Let’s be honest with God. Share our concerns and questions and even doubts openly with Him and ask for His help. He already knows anyway. Let’s invite Him to help us.
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