Breaking the Word

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."  (Lk 9:46-50)

The disciples were men from the world. And they carried with them the values of the world. In the world (society) people always rated them. Ranking and rating are part of the way of behaving in the society. According to the ranks one was respected and treated. To live in the world and the society such way of behaviour was normal and at times it was also right.

The kingdom which Jesus was establishing was different. Among the children there were not ranking and rating. Children would move with everyone equally likely. They will not look at the ranks of people to relate to them. They may relate to people of relationship (their parents and other relations). Children value relationship more than ranks and ratings,

Jesus identifies himself to a child by saying: "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me”. Receiving a child and receiving Jesus are the same. This receiving also puts one in relationship God. This is how one enters into the kingdom. Relating to one another like children and receiving the other like a child is what matters in the kingdom. 

"What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him. (Mt 21:28-32)

“A man had two sons”. The story talks about the kingdom as a family. Family had a father and sons and the relationship between them is one of dependence, responsibility, duty, rights, and service etc. The father of the family has the right to expect from his sons the service required in the family or for the family. The way the sons respond to him depends upon their sense of belonging to the family.

The first one responded negatively but later changed his mind and went to do the work. The second one affirmed his going but did not go. Their verbal answer did not show who they were or their sense of belonging. Their response in action was what mattered in this story. Belonging to the family depended on their response in deeds. The first son,  though reacted negatively but repented.

The kingdom is like a family where there is relationship among its members and there is a sense of belonging among them. The relationship and the sense of belonging are seen in their response to the demands of the kingdom. The response has to be seen in their actions. The essential element in belonging to the family is change of heart believing in Jesus.