In My Name
And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37
After Jesus told the disciples to be servants to all, he turned to an illustration of who fits the category of those needing service. Jesus takes a child, one of the lowest tiers in society (least of these), and places her* in their midst. If you receive one of these “in my name,” you welcome me. And if you welcome me, you accept The Sender. *The Greek uses gender-neutral, which opens up possibilities, and why I use “her.”
Jesus makes this pretty clear to us; you don’t get to pick and choose who you will serve because Jesus calls you to serve all in His name. You are to love the rich and the poor, black and white, straight and gay, and yes, even Republican and Democrat. And the list does not end there; it’s open-ended!
Do it under His authority, and in His name!
Lord Jesus,
When we claim your name, it comes with authority and responsibility. Help us to live into our call to exemplify your love for others. For if they receive what we bring, they welcome you. And if they receive you, they receive the Triune God of Grace.
I pray this in the name of the Author of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Amen!
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