This just in: Brother Big, pastor of Colossal Baptist Church, responded at the news conference to claims he was losing attendance. Further investigation showed the parking lot looked empty only because they had added another acre to the already striped lots. Pastor Upcoming of New Plant Church (an independent Bible church) answered back that only he was the leader in baptisms for his state. In the same consortium, Reverend Devout reassured the brothers his church was the only one loyal to the denomination. The Reverend Doctor Dryasdust previewed his online Bible studies on the book of Hezekiah — all chapters included — would soon be available at a minimal cost to all who would pledge an offering of $500 next week. Pastor Mimic from Little Hope Baptist Church presented his program as to how his congregation was maintaining and using to advantage political connections in his area during this time.
Both Mark and Luke, in their respective chapter nine, have an event of the followers of Jesus — perhaps the very apostles themselves, whose likenesses are on stained glass windows in churches — having a brag fest as to who was the greatest among them. This argumentative bragging goes on today, perhaps among our pastors. Guys are guys when it comes to “Mine is better, more expensive, shinier or more popular than yours.” Reading the passages, we understand Jesus was aware of the bragging contest.
My imaginative words here as to the outcome: “Sit down, boys! I have a few words to say to the whole lot of you.” Then Jesus said (in red letter words if you have that kind of English translation): “An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them. But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts took a little child and had him stand next to him. He told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you — this one is great” (Luke 9:46-48 CSB).
