Luke 9:46-48 NRSVue

46An argument arose among them concerning which one of them was the greatest. 47But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side 48and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, for the least among all of you is the greatest.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Lord, when I begin to feel secure, powerful, on top of things, you unsettle me. You ask me to emulate the powerlessness of children, who cannot plan for themselves. You welcome me as a follower, but warn me that I am not your only follower. There are lots of tracks, lots of ways to you. Those who are not against me are for me.

Reflection
I come with all my baggage, my scepticism, competitiveness, self-regard. Can I put this aside and be like the little child?

Reflection
The angels look after us, guide us, guard us in our faith tradition. Whatever this may mean, it is a belief that God, through all sorts of beings, looks after us. In a culture where children were ignored and treated badly, Jesus highlights their important as loved children of God.

Reflection
In acknowledging children in the group and giving them time, Jesus was going against his culture and religion. Children, while loved and important, would not find time with a religious teacher. Jesus is the one for all, and the surest way of showing this was to give time to the children, against the advice of his disciples.

Reflection
The cult of name and fame, of brand recognition, is wonderfully absurd. At the World Soccer Cup many Dutch spectators were forced to remove their trousers because they bore a brand name other than that of the official sponsors. Jesus is counter-cultural. The child whom he welcomed remains anonymous. The least among us, the nameless, are the greatest.

Reflection
I don't need a famous brand name, Lord. If I am known to you, it is enough.