Mark 9:36-37 describes a moving scene: “He [Jesus] took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.’”

Today, people think well of children. Generally speaking, they fawn after them and hold them in high esteem. Much is made of “children’s rights.” That’s good.

But in Jesus’ day things were different. Although families clearly loved their children, a child in the ancient world was usually considered lowly and without social status. 

I think that’s why Jesus used a child to make his point: Whoever welcomes someone who is lowly and without social status in Jesus’ name is actually welcoming Jesus and his heavenly Father. 

If we only love people who can somehow repay us, perhaps we’re not doing it for the right reasons. Perhaps we’re only being kind because we will somehow be acknowledged or thanked.

But Jesus tells us to reframe our thinking. When we serve those who cannot repay us, we’re actually doing it to and for God.

The love we show toward others doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with their ideas or life choices. We are simply seeking to bless people who are made in God’s image and deserving of dignity and respect. We are sharing the love we have first received in Christ. 

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

When we serve those who cannot repay us, we’re actually doing it to and for God.

Notes:
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.