Jesus was preparing his disciples for what was going to happen to him. They seem to have blocked out what he was saying and instead were engaging in a petty squabble about who was the greatest among them. True friends give support in time of trouble. Jesus knew he was facing a terrible time and must have yearned for those he loved to console him. Instead he had to teach them a lesson by taking a little child as a model.
A child is full of wonder as he learns about the world. He is full of questions. Jesus did not want his followers to be childish but childlike. In today’s world society encourages competition. In some respects this is good as it helps individuals to obtain their potential. In other ways it is toxic. So-called great countries often become so at the expense of other nations, and when celebrities become almost deified because of their particular qualities there is a danger that the poor, weak and handicapped are despised and even regarded as a burden on society. Yet these are God’s special children.
Mary talked of herself as a “lowly servant.” She was fully aware of herself as God’s creation. That did not mean that she had false humility; and indeed the gospels depict her as a woman of great strength and courage, who was well able to stand her ground when she needed to.