The disciples ask Jesus
a question –
“Who will be the greatest
in the kingdom of Heaven?”
And I sense their wondering
as they wait to hear
Jesus’s answer.

Will it be
the greatest teacher,
the greatest healer
or the one who casts out
the most devils?

Will it be one
who raises the dead to life
or a great king
who governs his people fairly?

Will it be someone
who works endlessly
with the poor
or perhaps a man
with tremendous wisdom?

Hmmm …
which will it be?

Before answering
Jesus calls over
a wee child
whom He then presents
to His disciples
before explaining –
the greatest in Heaven
is someone who is as humble
as this youngster.

A sense of astonishment
among Jesus’s disciples
as a sad realisation dawns –
that simply by posing this question
they have demonstrated
that none of them could possibly be
the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.

A challenge to each of us
to strive in life
to be as trusting
as a child
and as humble
as Jesus Himself.
A tall order, surely.
Aren’t we blessed
to have Jesus by our side
to help us
every step of the way?

(c) Claire Murray