“No Little People” - Luke 9:37-50
1. We must recognize that there are no little people in the Kingdom of God
An argument arose among them [the disciples] as to which of them was the greatest. (v. 46)
But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” (vv. 47-48)
2. We must be steeped in the greatness of Christ revealed in his death.
And all were astonished at the majesty (=greatness) of God. (v. 43)
But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. (vv. 43b—45)
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27)
“We should consciously take the lowest place unless the Lord himself extrudes us into a position of more responsibility and authority.” (Francis Schaeffer)
“A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by the inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of the external situation.” (A.W. Tozer)
