Good things come in pies. I love a little meat pie with tomato sauce, or a home-made apple pie with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream (Yes, both!). On a cold winter’s day, comfort food goes down a treat. But if we talk about eating humble pie, it has different connotations, and I immediately feel a little uncomfortable and maybe even somewhat shameful. Eating humble pie talks about the idea of someone who is prideful being brought low, or down a few pegs, if you like.
The disciples were exactly in this spot. They had been wielding a bit of Jesus’ authority themselves – healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God. They had witnessed quite a few miracles which included dishing out dinner for 5000 from a few loaves and fishes. They were feeling on top of the world and even a bit like Superman maybe. If God was for them, who could be against them? The whole kingdom thing was pretty impressive! They didn’t really understand what Jesus meant by the phrase he had used about denying themselves and taking up crosses. They were caught up in arguing about who would be the greatest, who would be the most popular or recognisable; who would wield the greater measure of power maybe, or be part of the biggest miracle. We can pick up their story in Luke 9
Luke 9:46-48
An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
What?? What does a child have to do with anything? In Jewish culture at the time, children were to be seen and not heard. Jesus’ ministry was getting a little edgy at this time – he had talked about himself being delivered into the hands of men, and the transfiguration thing had the inner crowd believing he really was the son of God….
But maybe it was not all about the big miracles and calling down fire. Without Jesus they had nothing, and without God, well, even Jesus had nothing…. So, this young child is important to Jesus…. I think he was illustrating the importance of simple obedience and service to the one in front of you, regardless of who it is. It seems that Jesus was saying, this is the road to real power and authority. The road to the heart of God. Access to the Kingdom.
This idea of balancing out greatness and power with humility before God and service to the least of people, can also be seen in Paul’s writings in his letter to the Ephesians. Maybe even by confessing that he feels like the least of all people (as he was previously persecuting and killing Christians), he is reflecting on his own God given authority and Grace.
Ephesians 3:7 - 13
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
In fact, Paul goes further into this theme, to discuss how childlike we must become, regardless of our background, before the Lord of Lords, and what kind of access that grants us to his divine power wisdom and grace.
Eph 3: 14 – 16 (TPT)
So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favour until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power.
It is indeed a divine mystery, how in becoming childlike, and humble before God, we might receive a portion of the unlimited riches of his glory and favour.
And indeed, his greatness and power becomes ours. Like father, like son (or daughter). The idea of family, sonship and being a child of God comes through in this too. We belong to Him.
I was talking to friends just recently about moving in signs and wonders, and ministering in healing rooms. We were talking about the idea that not everyone receives exactly what they are looking for. I can’t heal anyone, but I know the one who can. We don’t carry the burden if someone isn’t healed and similarly, we don’t take the glory if someone is. I guess that is kind of childlike. We get to play with and pray with Holy Spirit and minister in his name. Like children pretty much, in simple obedience to the father and without too much burden or responsibility. We just show up, knowing who our father is. And the closer we draw to His presence and ways, the more we see Him move.
And so, the goodness of the pie is not lost in the humility, but rather it is gained. To God be the glory.
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