the cross, greatness and openness

Good morning all,
Today's reading is an interesting collection of sayings on discipleship. Jesus tells his disciples that he will be killed, and again this seems to go totally over their heads. Instead of asking him questions about why this is going to happen or what it means, the disciples get right into arguing about which of them is the greatest. Jesus reminds them that his community doesn't define greatness the same way the rest of the world does.

John (son of Zebedee, not the Baptist) then reports that they saw someone casting out demons in Jesus' names, but he wasn't part of the group. Jesus tells him not to worry about that because "Whoever is not against you is for you." This outlook opens the way for all kinds of ministry cooperation, even with those who don't share our views. It encourages us to look at others expecting to find common ground instead of being suspicious of people who aren't part of our group. Those are always words the church needs to hear.

God bless,
Sam


Luke 9:43-50
43And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, 44“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” 45But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

46An argument arose among them as to 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.” 49John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.”