Unsung Heroes
Opening Prayer
Thank God for those who have influenced your life as a Christian—especially those who are unrecognized.
Read LUKE 9:46-50
[46] An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. [47] Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. [48] Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” [49] “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” [50] “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What lesson did Jesus teach using that child?Success is often a dirty word in the Christian world, but I notice that being famous is often seen to be the highest calling in the twenty-first century. Big Christian events headline “famous speakers” and it’s too easy to be sucked into the world of A-listers and B-listers (46). I see that played out on national stages where I work. Is it also happening in your area? You’re in if you’re a leader and out if you’re the quiet one who prays silently at home. That may be the pattern in some place, even in some churches, but it’s not Jesus’ way.
Jesus turns the fight to be famous on its head (48). He uses a young child without any status or notoriety to teach that the unsung and the unknown can be the greatest. What rules have you subconsciously developed about who is in and who is out in your church or your Christian community? How does it affect the way you look at or welcome others in your fellowship?
Apply
This weekend, look out for someone who is an unsung hero. How you can make them feel welcome?
Closing prayer
Lord, forgive me when I get my priorities wrong and see others as the world sees them instead of how You see them.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.