In Luke 18:15-17, amidst the bustling crowds and pressing demands, Jesus pauses to embrace children, rebuking his disciples for attempting to shoo them away. This seemingly small encounter carries profound significance, highlighting Jesus’ radical inclusivity and his concern for those often marginalized by society. In a culture where children held little status or significance, Jesus’ actions challenge conventional norms and underscore the value of every individual, regardless of age or social standing.
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ rebuke reveals a fundamental truth about his kingdom – it belongs to the childlike and the marginalized, those who approach with humility and trust. By welcoming children into his presence, Jesus demonstrates his heart for the vulnerable and the overlooked, inviting us to emulate his compassion and prioritize relationships over status or prestige. In a world obsessed with power and recognition, Jesus’ example serves as a reminder to embrace humility and embrace those whom society deems as “less than,” recognizing their inherent worth and dignity as fellow image-bearers of God.
As the theologian Henri Nouwen once said, “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” How can we, in our workplaces and leadership roles, follow Jesus’ example by extending kindness and compassion to those around us, especially to those who may feel overlooked or undervalued? Who is a “less than” in your world today that you can reach out to, offer a word of encouragement, and show that they matter?
