Mark tells us in chapter 9 that the disciples were arguing about which one was the greatest. Considering that they had failed at many things up to this point, this almost plays out like a Key and Peele sketch. But I’ll bet you can relate.

It’s a question that always goes through our minds as we judge quarterbacks, presidents, school or workmates, and ourselves. If you are like me, there is constant pressure to be the greatest at every task: father, pastor, husband, guitarist, runner, comedian, party thrower, and so on.

I never feel like I’m on top. I can probably tell you who is at the bottom. It’s never-ending stress. What is worse, we can often feel like this regarding our life as disciples. I’ll bet some of you have judged yourself while trying to keep up with a Bible in-a-year readings plan.

Jesus flips the script on how we should think of ourselves as disciples. It’s actually pretty comforting. He tells the disciples, “If anyone wants to be first, he should be last and servant of all.” Then he takes a little child, stands him in the middle of those big guys, picks her up in his arms, and says, ” If anyone welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me!”

Discipleship is not about performance but identity. This little child has nothing to brag about. She is weak, can’t read, is helpless, and has no accomplishments. But she has Jesus’ name on her! That’s all that matters.

Christianity is not a meritocracy unless you are only talking about Jesus’ work that merits forgiveness and life for all of us!

When Jesus says we should be the last and servant of all, he is not saying we should do something to become that. He is telling us that is what we are. We are weak, foolish sinners. And that’s ok. That’s the kind of person He likes to pick up in His arms and save!

By frequently using little children to illustrate discipleship, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that infant baptism is neither an exception nor a type of baptism but the rule for baptism and salvation. No one comes to Christ by their own strength. Christ comes to them through parents, friends, etc. Through His Church, Jesus lifts only helpless people into His arms, washes them of their sins, and gives them life.