Grace and Space

Lk 9:46-50

Least is greatest: The disciples fail to understand the second prediction of the passion and begin to argue about who among them is the greatest. Bringing forward a child, Jesus declares, “The one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (v 48). Thus, a child becomes a model for discipleship.
This is paradoxical. In the culture of the time, a child possessed no rights. At birth, the father had to claim the child as his own. Until the child grew up, he or she was guaranteed no legal rights. Such an image of dependence and powerlessness is used for Christian discipleship. Anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus cannot be concerned about rivalry—who is the greatest—but should be preoccupied with being like a child—the least among disciples! Another issue facing Luke’s community was that of other exorcists who cast out demons in Jesus’ name but were not members of the church. The principle which Jesus gives is simple: “Whoever is not against you is for you” (v 50). In other words, people who do not belong to the official community can accomplish good, too.
One of the central issues in this chapter (9) of Luke’s Gospel is Jesus’ victory over evil. Once the boy with a demon has been healed, the second prediction of the passion illustrates that healing is a direct result of Jesus’ victory over suffering and death. In the Christian community there can be no rivalry or intolerance of outsiders. All must work together to further the effects of Christ’s victory over evil.