I really have very little to do with our Children's Ministry, other than to enjoy them. How is it then, that so much oof what I post here has to do with the kids? Some might talk about the innocence of youth (not me---I've raised three kids!) and how little children often show us the way. Maybe. But maybe also its just because they are so darned cute.
So last week, Rebecca, our lovely, talented and incredibly patient Director of Children's Ministries came back from her after her Wednesday afternoon class laughing. She's been having the primary grade children re-enacting biblical stories--in this instance, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river. Rebecca encourages them to "express themselves". Like true Los Angeles kids, they immerse themselves in character. Backstories, motivation, all of the tools of the actor's craft seem to be second nature to them. While all of the parts are always up for grabs--on any given day Jesus can be portrayed by a boy, a girl, a six year old, a nine year old, sometimes changing over in the middle of the scene-- the role of John the Baptist is highly coveted by the boys. Why? Because
John lived in the desert, had wild hair, wore a camel skin, and, best of all, he ATE BUGS! Clearly, a scene stealing role!
And so, the dialogue went something like this:
"I'm John. Come and repent and be baptised!" (cue the extras to crowd forward at this time) "Oh, here comes my cousin, Jesus. He's really important. He's The SON OF GOD!" (Flourishes, dramatic arm waving as a shy girl portraying Jesus comes forward)
Rebecca then coaches John on his next line:
"Don't come to me for baptism. I should not baptise you, you should baptise me," explaining that John, though he had come first, must now give way to Jesus. Our young John the Baptist dutifully said his line, but then, indignantly, added: "I"M JESUS' COUSIN. I'M IMPORTANT, TOO".
Its a tricky thing, that relationship with Jesus. On the one hand, we are all important in that we too are children of God, and each and every one of us has value. But do we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that our relationship with Jesus, with God, with the Holy Spirit--and our interpretation of that relationship--make us important in a way that others aren't? Of course not, we say--and we know that's the "correct" answer. Sometimes, though, I think that my actions may not reflect the "correct" answer. As we struggle with many issues of faith and practice, of culture, of church and society, I find it far too easy to think that I have the "right relationship" and that makes me "important".
Micah tells us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. Like our young John the Baptist, that "humbly" part can be really, really hard.
