The Parable of the Child

 

Mark 9:3-39

Proper 20 / Year B

Sometimes Jesus gathers people to tell them a story.  Other times, such as in today’s reading from the gospel, he acts out a parable.  The disciples are having a not-so-private conversation about who among their number is most important to Jesus’ ministry.  Jesus, in his typically, gentle way, calls them on the carpet by asking them what they have been discussing.  Not surprisingly, none of them wants to fess up about the pettiness of their musings. 

Jesus then sets out a fundamental principle of the Kingdom of God: “Whoever wants to be first must be last.  He or she must be a servant of all.”  This, he says, is what makes for greatness in God’s Kingdom.  Then Jesus acts out his teaching.  He sees a child, calls the youngster to himself, and says to everyone, “If you welcome a child in my name you welcome me.  Even more, you welcome the One who sends me.”

This simple act, like all parables, speaks in a fresh way no matter how many times we hear it.  It sheds light on every new situation we encounter.  And it does what a good parable does.  It can never be boiled down to a simple meaning which stays frozen over time.  It is living and active because life is not static.  There are principles at the core of every parable or action which endure over time and withstand the changes and chances of life.  When you discern these principles you find the voice of God speaking to your current situation.

Through this enacted parable, where Jesus brings a child to himself, we discover much about life in God’s kingdom.  We learn who we are to admire and what traits we are to emulate.  First and foremost, those who are great in God’s kingdom are loving.  This love is most evident not when it is offered to people the world regards as important.  It is most evident when it is offered to those who are overlooked or undervalued or out of the public eye. 

Second, those who are great in God’s kingdom are not motivated by the limelight.  They do not crave rewards or adulation.  They strive to embody what is kind and right and good.  If you honor and respect the king you may be rewarded with earthly treasures, titles, and powers.  But if you treat a child with kindness then your only reward may be a hug or a smile.  But this is a sign of Jesus’ kingdom.  And, according to him, it will endure long after kings and worldly riches fade away.

And third, Jesus’ enacted parable teaches you are only as great as what the least respected person in society has to say about you.  Presidential citations and papal blessings do not a Christian make.  When a child knows your love and affirmation you have done a great thing.  When a hungry person is feed because of your generosity you have done a great thing.  When those who are sorrowful or suffering receive your care and compassion you have done a great thing.

Greatness in God’s kingdom does not look like the disciples squabbling over who is most important.  It is about people like you and me receiving all in the name of Christ.  And the reward for welcoming the least person is finding Christ revealed uniquely in and through that person.  This kind of connection makes life rich and full and meaningful.

Now, lest you think I am blabbering a bunch of church talk, but it does not actually connect with the real the world, let me cite Lewis Howes, who built wealth out of want and is now the host a very popular podcast called “The School of Greatness.”  He offers eight tips to becoming great.  One tip describes the importance of hard work, another the need for vision and a sense of mission, still another talks about the significance of integrity.  Can you guess what tip #8 is?  Live a life of Service!

Howes says this:

You can achieve greatness by focusing on pursuing you own selfish interests, but it’s not going to feel great.  You’ll discover quickly that greatness which only serves you is empty.  Build giving back and serving others into every part of your journey and you’ll find fulfillment and happiness long before you reach your goal of greatness. 

He invites his listeners to take on something called the Kindness Challenge.  It involves doing a five-minute favor, an hour-long favor, and a one-day favor.  A five-minute favor can be as simple as opening a door or holding an elevator for another person.  A one-hour favor can be writing several glowing reviews on yelp, perhaps for your favorite restaurant, dentist, or church.  A day long favor might involve offering your professional skills for free to support a non-profit.

Kindness is defined as doing something nice for someone else while expecting nothing in return.  And yet, studies have found acts of kindness actually benefit you.  They improve personal relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, boost your immune system, increase energy and confidence, and generally make you feel better.  If any of this appeals to you, Jesus suggests you should welcome a child.