An argument was started among the twelve disciples of Jesus, “which of them might be the greatest?”  (Luke 9:46)

  What did Jesus do?  How did He ‘handle’ these twelve men in this instance?  Did He reprimand them for not being better examples to the people crowded around them?  Did He tell them to leave? (Today, parents tell their children “time-out” is in order.)

It is interesting how He took care of this situation without being harsh or trying to mediate in this situation.  He seemingly ignored His contentious disciples.

(NASB) Luke 9:47 “But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side.”

Jesus took a boy from among the crowd and drew him to His side.  Scripture doesn’t say, but imagine with me…Jesus drew this boy to His side and put his arm around him, letting His hand rest gently on the child’s shoulder.  Then imagine with me as Jesus looks at each of His disciples and says:
(NASB) Luke 9:48 “…‘Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.’”

This child was indeed, the least among those twelve men and Jesus counted him the greatest.  The boy had done nothing to deserve any recognition…he only stood quietly by the side of Jesus.  He had obeyed Jesus by willingly moving to His side.

What?!  Does this mean all the time the disciples had spent with Jesus and listened to Him and even had done many good works…this boy was greater?

Your “good works,” your “good words,” your “good intentions” do not count for much if you are not standing (willingly and obediently) by the side of Jesus.

That little boy had not done anything, nada, zilch, to earn Jesus’ attention.  That little boy had responded to Jesus reaching out to him and pulling him to His side.
How have you responded when you have felt a “tug” to read God’s true words?  How are you responding to Jesus to attend a Bible-preaching church?

What a picture for us to consider…thoughtfully.  A little boy drawn to the side of Jesus then standing willingly, obediently, quietly by the side of the Son of God!

Jesus is asking you to respond to His drawing you to Himself.

What is holding you back?