It’s very different from Jesus’ time. We live in a society which is child-oriented and a far happier and safer place overall for children compared to the first century when infant mortality was 30% and 60% of children were dead by 16. Even childless Roman couples adopted fellow adults as their heirs, not children, who were simply invisible, had no legal status and no value. So, Jesus placing a child before bashful, power-seeking Disciples was a real slap in the face. The simplicity, trust and innocence of the young would not have been their first thought. They got the clear message: “Be alert, would-be disciple, whenever you encounter the invisible person, you encounter the Kingdom of God coming to you.”
All changed now. Were it today, Jesus might speak to our petty squabbling by bringing us to the nearby nursing home. He would walk into a room and, in our presence, gently lift up a helpless, dependent old woman or man and say, “This is what it’s all about. This is the kingdom of God, and into this experience of humiliation and death, the Son of Man must go, because this person and everyone like them, and you, too, mean so much to God. Followers, if you want to embrace God, embrace her. And anyone who welcomes her, welcomes God.”
(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )