Jesus is giving an illustration here: a child represents the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable people. In our society, the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable are not just the young. In significant measure, they are defined by race, and Jesus has something to say about this.

As disciples of Jesus, what is to be our attitude towards the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable? Jesus says we are to welcome them. And what happens when we do this? Christ says, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me”! (9:37).

What are you to do if you want more of Jesus in your life? What are we to do if we want more of Jesus in our church? We are to open our doors, our hearts, and our budget to the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable people, here and around the world. Then we will have more of Jesus.

So let’s ask God to deal with our pride, whether it comes from feelings of jealousy over what has been given to others and not to us or from feelings of superiority over what has been given to us and not to others.

Let’s ask God to grow within us a servant heart that rejoices in serving the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable people.

In what ways could you be more welcoming to the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable in your church and in your community?