Photo by iyinoluwa John Onaeko on Unsplash

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. – Luke 9:48 

It may take a village to raise a child, but it also takes a child to raise a village of leaders.

Jesus allowed the attention of the crowd to be drawn to a child that day as he heard a group of adults having a very childish conversation about who was and would be the greatest among their band of rag-tag disciples.

It is an oft-repeated scenario with people vying for position, status, recognition, titles, and promotions. We live in villages where everyone wants to be chief of something and yet, there is a disturbing void of real leadership. People undermine others and over inflate their resumes with the goal of bringing their profiles into synch with their egos.

We want to be big fish in our small ponds, but the Master of all enlists a child to teach greatness. Not only did this child symbolize lowliness, dependence, and humility, but the one who would receive such a child would do so expecting nothing in return.

So often we socialize to rise in prestige and power. We are present to be seen. We feign interest in what others are saying to gain access to their influence. We give in order to receive. We care so that we can be perceived as caring. With a child, it is all about stooping low to touch the life of someone who cannot give us a leg up on the ladder to success. It is there that we find true greatness for it is there that we stand beside Jesus.

He came as a child into a village full of ambitious and jealous kings and pretenders to the throne who sought to silence Him before He could speak. He humbled Himself as no one had ever humbled himself before and began a movement of servant leadership that shall evermore be the true model of greatness and success.

It takes a child to raise a village of leaders.