Show notes
Jesus tells His disciples that the least among them is the greatest, and most of us hear that as a call to think poorly of ourselves. I am convinced that is not what He means. In Luke 9:46–50 two scenes belong together: twelve men arguing over rank, and John shutting down a stranger who was casting out demons in Jesus' name.This passage shows that "least" is a position you take rather than a feeling you work up about yourself, and Jesus makes it measurable by asking who you are willing to stand next to. The cost runs in two directions, and I work through both, along with the line between guarding the gospel and guarding your own circle.