Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them,

“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.”

Luke 9:46-48

Jesus’ disciples wanted glory, more than they wanted Him. They needed to be the best, the most significant. And they became so focused on status, that they lost sight of Jesus’ purpose. So Jesus essentially told them to stop being so childish and start being child-LIKE. 

It’s not easy to be child-like in a culture that encourages the opposite. Children are humble, adults can become proud. Children are authentic, adults sometimes pretend. Children ask questions, adults often think they have all the answers. Children are dependent, adults strive to be self-sufficient. Children believe, adults analyze. Children are filled with wonder, adults are often filled with doubt.

As we get older, we tend to over-think, and unless you’re Einstein, overthinking never helped anyone. Faith, however, isn’t complicated. It is simply belief that Jesus is who He says He is and complete trust that what He says is truth. It is obediently following Him, surrendering your own way, no matter what. When we over-think things, we make them more complicated. When we complicate faith, it is no longer faith. 

Today, be the least, and spend time with the Greatest. Be humble, be real. Sit in childlike awe and wonder at Jesus’ feet and worship Him. You are loved!

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30