In St. Mark’s portrayal, the twelve apostles are remarkably thick. In one scene they are portrayed as unable to do anything to bring about healing without Jesus. In the next scene they are described as “discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.” You can almost hear Jesus’ exasperation with them. To cure their mistaken notions Jesus places a child in front of them and says, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.” In Mark’s telling it is not becoming like a child but receiving a child that matters. To receive a child is to expect nothing in return. A child does not repay your gift — with a child you give and do not count the cost.
