GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 9:37
How to Seek the Father
Teachers learn that expounding a concept and illustrating it are two sides of the same coin; the more abstract the concept, the more important an experiential illustration becomes. When I was a student in Granite City Senior High School, I took a welding class. The teacher, Mr. Galbraith, explained the fundamentals of the process—penetration, electron flow, heat, and such. Then we donned our hoods and watched as he applied the rod to the metal, demonstrating the concepts we had found abstract.
In a similar way, Jesus sought to demonstrate to his disciples what it truly meant to receive him. He said, “Whoever shall receive one of such little children in my name receives me. And whoever receives me, does not receive me, but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)
Interpreters approach this statement in two instructive ways. First, it may illustrate the importance of accepting Jesus and his teaching as children do—with openness, simplicity, and a readiness to learn. Alternatively, it can be understood as an instruction to accept others in his name; in doing so, one reflects his spirit and honors the Father who sent him.
This unnamed little child (the diminutive is usually used for children under twelve years old) has forever stood as a reflection of the essence of Jesus’ mission and teaching. A child has no influence, cannot advance a career, does not enhance prestige, and cannot bestow gifts. In fact, the opposite is true: a child must have things done for him. So, in effect, Jesus cautions against seeking those who can do things for us and instead urges us to seek those for whom we can do things. In this way, Jesus taught, we seek the one who sent him.
During this Christmas season, as our attention turns to the baby in the manger, it is also an appropriate time to renew our focus on the inclusiveness and mission of Christ.
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