Jesus declared to his disciples for the next time that he would be delivered into the hands of sinners, but they did not understand the meaning and the design of this prophecy that the eternal Judge would deliver himself willingly into the hands of men as an atonement for us. In fact, this miracle surpasses all proud understanding, particularly the possibility of resurrection from the dead. Thus, it remained to his followers as a mirage, for they had not yet experienced the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. Even today, most people are deaf and blind to the love of God revealed in the cross. They do not know the truth of the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who long for the truth, and believe in the only Son of God.
The world is in need of prayers who pray to Jesus that his word may drive out the spiritual deafness from their minds, and that they may become revived, strengthened, and hear the word of God.
Even Jesus’ followers are tempted with unhearing and misunderstanding his word. The reason for their spiritual deafness and blindness is haughtiness, which soon infiltrates into their hearts, and silences and blinds them, for they are self-conceited, thinking that everyone else is nothing beside them.
In this case, they do not see Jesus as our example, who made himself a humble servant of God, taking away the sin of the world, and thus becoming the least and the most despised one that God himself hid his face from him when he was crucified for us and rejected with disdain.
However, the disciples were arguing among themselves about who had the right to occupy a seat, and to enjoy authority, and arrogant honor. They despised their fellows, and they all fell into the sin of pride, for each one of them thought he was better than the others. This original sin began with Satan and broke out into the minds of men.
Dear brother, beware of the pride dwelling in your heart. Be cautious of trusting yourself. Humble yourself soon. Seek the lost and the unclean that they may be purified in the name of Christ. Serve the simple. Do not seek to be a master, but follow the humble Jesus that you may become great before God.
Jesus took a child and had him stand in front of the disciples, as a token of their condition and faith. The child was neither good in himself, nor innocent in his childhood, for all men are wicked from childhood. However, the child relied on his father, and loved his mother from childhood. We must learn the spirit of sonship, and not think we are independent masters.
Christ guides us to love that we may not only live for our families, and ourselves but also look at homeless and parentless children that we may adopt them and open our houses to them. He who serves the little ones and the poor follows Jesus who adopted us and made us children of God. Humble yourself as Jesus did, and serve the weak, the little ones, and the poor. Do not look at the rich, the clever, and the persons of distinction, for they generally do not hear.