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So…

Have you ever had an argument? 

You know, one of those loud disagreeable moments where things might get said that are hard and harsh?

You most certainly have, and some of them have been wild!

Arguments with teenagers often lead the list, because a human being you made suddenly decides at 13-14 that they are old enough to make all their own decisions!

More than one bedroom door has disappeared off the hinges because of that, cellphones confiscated, and WIFI access disabled – if the parents are more tech-y than the child.

Maybe others not so much!

But the image that jumps into our head is the argument we had with a boss, an employee, a spouse or a toddler, maybe even an argument with a neighbor or some idiot who cut you off in traffic.

They are often loud, disagreeable 

So, what we hear in our heads based on the word here in the CEV translation of the original Greek written by Mark or someone else is a intense, painful, heated exchange about something very, very important to the disciples and therefore to Jesus.
Which is kind of strange then when we hear Jesus’ response!

And that because of the suggestion the text makes about what appears to be their embarrassment - that Jesus knows about their conversation!

The text really doesn’t really seem to suggest what we would normally call an argument. 

Instead, it seems to offer the possibility that a discussion, perhaps under their breaths, perhaps with some sharpness, was going on about who the real leaders in the group were. 

A discussion that none of them really thought Jesus had overheard.

For those of us who have been watching The Chosen, this scenario is not at all a surprise, nor should it be for anyone who has been to a family BBQ.

Who really is in charge of the disciples? Jesus, the master, of course! 

But who is his lieutenant? Peter? Nathaniel? James or John? 

Can’t you just see the boys saying stuff like, “Why does Peter think he is all that? He’s the biggest screwup in the group!”

And in your family who really is mom’s favorite? 

Who is the most important child? 

Come on, you all know that one of you are!
So, why does uncle George always decide what is on the menu? 
Why does aunt Gloria pick the dessert? 

And why does Paul always pick the beer in the cooler.

I’ve told you before that my sisters often noted that when I came home to visit the family in Buffalo, it was said that “Prince Jeffrey” was coming, because we all knew I was mom’s favorite. 

So here is the key - they were muttering, whispering, talking under their breath about who was who, and Jesus took the opportunity back in Capernaum, in the house, in private, to point out that the greatest of his disciples, and therefore God’s followers, were the ones who put themselves second as they worked to serve others. 
And he illustrated the principal by putting his arm around a child and saying “When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me. And when you welcome me, you welcome the one who sent me.”
For years I have worked very hard to learn every child that is here in the worship service, or who is around in fellowship times – names.

Because if you are going to welcome a child into the faith community, you have to know their name.

In fact, you have to intentionally get to know every person’s name who is part of the family of Christ, because in families you know everyone’s name.

What was that line in the theme song for the TV show Cheers? The chorus goes…

Sometimes you wanna go, Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name

Being a disciple is all about opening the doors and inviting others into the warmth and caring of our community so that no matter what folks are dealing with, they have an opportunity to meet Jesus!

To meet Jesus in you!

It’s not about who is in charge. It’s all about being faithful disciples.

And here is the best news you will ever hear: We – can – do – that!

And all of it in Jesus’ name! 

Amen.