Welcoming the Vulnerable-Welcoming Christ

Luke 9:43-50

While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44 “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (NIV)

As we continue our journey with Christ toward Jerusalem today, we pick up where we left off yesterday.  Jesus has just performed a miracle, one that the disciples had been unable to do and all were amazed.  Jesus again, continuing to try to prepare his disciples for his departure, takes the disciples aside and again tells them of his pending death and departure.  Yet, they still do not get it but they really don't want to know more about it.  They are afraid, they are in denial.  They want to continue on with Jesus in their midst.  Then, as they are walking along toward their next destination they begin to argue about who is the greatest among them and Jesus again turns things upside down on them by telling them that whoever welcomes a child, welcomes him.  That is who the greatest is.  The Greatest are those who humble themselves in service to those that are most vulnerable.  Who are the most vulnerable in your circle of influence.  What are you doing to welcome the most vulnerable among you?  

Think on these things today and as your Lenten Practice today commit to doing something for the most vulnerable among you.  

Thanks be to God.