Never Too Old to Play (Mark 9:33-37) // Saturday, September 18, 2021

Never Too Old to Play (Mark 9:33-37) // Saturday, September 18, 2021


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Mark 9:33-37 (Common English Bible)

33 They entered Capernaum. When they had come into a house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about during the journey?” 34 They didn’t respond, since on the way they had been debating with each other about who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be least of all and the servant of all.” 36 Jesus reached for a little child, placed him among the Twelve, and embraced him. Then he said, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me isn’t actually welcoming me but rather the one who sent me.” 


Summary:

Conventional wisdom may lead us to believe that we have God all figured out, but following Jesus is full of surprises. 

When Jesus’ disciples argued who the greatest was, Jesus changed the standard. The greatest is not one who is served, but one who serves. In addition, Jesus’ priority is not preserving seniority, but in welcoming the children. There is an inner-child in all of us that the world has sought to destroy. In Jesus, however, that childlike sense of wonder and faith is always welcome. Do not let the enemy steal your joy. You are never too old to play!

Reflection Questions:

  1. What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
  2. What does this scripture teach you about play?
  3. What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?