Luke 9:46-56
46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 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.”
49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.
Reflection
This passage gives us an opportunity to see our own brokenness. Just as the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, we often live our lives with the same sinful and petty values. Here Jesus offers God’s radically different perspective. The childlike, humble person is the truly great one. This gospel truth —perfectly modeled by Jesus himself—calls us to fight against our tendency to promote ourselves and to embrace instead the lowly way of humility. Our strength to live this way is found in the promise that God will promote us in the proper way and at the proper time (1 Pet. 5:5–6).
Philippians 2:12-18
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Reflection
Paul does not pretend that living a Christlike lifestyle is easy (Phil. 2:12–13). Those who have received salvation must labor to live it out, following Christ’s humble and servant-minded way of life (v. 12). However, the power to live this way comes from God who is at work in us to give us the desire and strength to obey (v. 13). When we apply the gospel to ourselves and joyfully imitate the radical humility of Christ, we stand out in the world as lights for Christ (vv. 14–16).
As followers of Christ, we cannot expect our path to be easy. Salvation by grace is an undeserved gift, but it introduces a new life of costly sacrifice. God is at work, and there is demanding work for us to do as well—work that is to be done in joy. Jesus gladly gave his life without complaining, and we have also been invited into the joyful service of showing others the same selfless love. We can equip ourselves for this calling by prayerfully setting our minds on the gracious love of Christ for us.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Equip yourself for the day by rehearsing the truth of God’s love for you in Christ, and by praying that God would fill your heart with joy. He who gave his life for you can strengthen you to joyfully love and serve others with the same Christlike attitude.