Potential

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:30-37

Teachers have a wonderful profession that can envision the future potential of their students. My father was a music teacher and able to see musical talent immediately among some of his students – many who went on into music teaching or professional performance. He would encourage them to dream and set their sights on whatever their potential would open up to them. Sometimes, it would be a total surprise that only God could see realized and it would come to pass!

The scripture that is offered is about Jesus’ disciples competing with each other of who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. He would ask the disciples, who would be ashamed to admit what they were discussing – about greatness. It seemed rather ludicrous to be engaged in such a topic. As Mark tells the story, the disciples and Jesus are on their way to Jerusalem and the ultimate destination of the Cross.

But, Jesus picked up on the debate and used it as a teaching moment for the disciples. He saw a young child nearby and brought that child into the circle where he and the disciples were sitting. Jesus embraced the child and his/her potential in one sense – saying that whoever would receive such a child, would receive Jesus – and even more – they would receive the One Who sent Jesus.

Regardless of age, we are to be child-like in our relationship with God. As anyone who claims a relationship with Christ, they are a treasure of potential for the Kingdom of God and for this life as well. As we claim our child/sister/brother potential with Jesus, so then such unlocks in us an insight of faith and a desire to serve Christ to envision the potential in others with whom we witness.

I had my mentors/teachers/professors who would be the same inspiration and guide for me through high school, college and seminary and ministry in general.  I thank God for their guidance which helped me through the trials and joys of my early ministry. 

It’s rather humbling to realize on this side of retirement, I have had the joy and satisfaction of serving as a pastor and see youth who have gone on to continue their education, meet their future partner/spouse and begin their family. Even those whom I remember in Sunday School, or as campers/counselors at camp, or former members of youth groups have gone on to be teachers, doctors, professional people or to wherever God was calling them. They would discover their God given potential and I would gladly fan the flame of their passion and calling.

My encouragement to all of us is to be open to the potential in any child of God, including ourselves. Claim that gift and receive that as a disciple/student of Christ as we all continue to grow in God’s grace.

Prayer: Eternal God, You see us for who we are. Sometimes it’s a mess, but amidst that mess is a bud of life blossoming in us that You nurture through Your Spirit. Be with us this day that is filled with great potential of opportunities to serve You, and possibly touch the life of someone whose potential we may see and encourage. Guide us to the joy that comes in the potential of this moment, through Christ. Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling