YOU GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO EAT, Ron Ward
THE ONE WHO IS GREATEST
Passage: Luke 9:46~56  
Key verse: 48
46 An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest.(A) 47 Jesus, knowing their thoughts,(B) took a little child and had him stand beside him. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.(C) For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”(D)
49 “Master,”(E) said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”(F)
Samaritan Opposition
51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven,(G) Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.(H) 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan(I) village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John(J) saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[a]?”(K) 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.
Footnotes
- Luke 9:54 Some manuscripts them, just as Elijah did
Cross references
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Welcome Jesus (46-50)
Jesus' disciples neither understand the spiritual nature of Jesus' kingdom, nor his heart. Men who lack spiritual understanding become political. Jesus taught them that they must have humble hearts that can welcome children. He said, 'Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me.' We must welcome humble people in Jesus' name because Jesus died for them, too. John and the others revealed their political attitude when they stopped a man from driving out demons in Jesus' name. Anyone who fights Satan is on Jesus' side.
2. Sons of Thunder (51-56)
The Samaritans didn't know that Jesus was going to Jerusalem to die for the sins of the world. James and John wanted to punish the Samaritans who didn't welcome Jesus. They didn't know Jesus' mind or his purpose.
Prayer: Lord, give me a humble heart and spiritual eyes to see your work.
One Word: Welcome others in Jesus' name