| September 11, 2020, Good afternoon, ” At the time the disciples came to Jesus asked, ” Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?” Matthew 18:1 I find this a strange question that is being asked of Jesus. Why does it matter who is the best ? Is the question about the kingdom of God here on earth, or is it for heaven ? Would not the greatest be Moses, Abraham or Sarah or Ruth ? Maybe the disciples want to find out how to act so that they can get into the Kingdom of God. The question might be so that the disciples find out what more they must do, or what they must believe ? Jesus answers the question by saying that we must become like little children. For me, this really does not clarify the question or the answer. Children are not perfect, at least I was not perfect. What exactly is it about being a child that Jesus wants us to follow. He says we are to take the lowly position like that of the child . We are to become ” small ” . What does that mean for how I work, have friends and relate to my family ? Often , we will say that we do not be run over by other people. What does it mean to be lowly in the ” kingdom of heaven ? If we choose to be lowly, does it give us the power of God ? The upside down kingdom ? This question comes to Jesus close to his death. The disciples would have been nervous as they approached Jerusalem. I think they are anxious and they ask these kinds of questions in order to feel somewhat in control. What question would you ask Jesus of Nazareth as one of his disciples ? We are nervous and anxious in this pandemic. What question would you ask of Jesus today ? Jesus, ” How …. ? ” We do not need to be in controlPrayerLife is the answer to our questions.And,life is uncertain and unknown.So,we live with this kind of believing that you, God , are in control of all thingshere and beyond here.Thank you O Lord of heaven and earth . AMEN Fred Pastor Poole Mennonite Tread on bold new paths! Fireflies flash the direction Hope springs eternal ! Monica Pieper Landoni 2020  |
