Juicy Gossip

JUICY GOSSIP
Matthew 20:20-28
V. 26: “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”

“Did you hear what Cassie did last week after the football game?” Randy asked Jesse as they passed football during recess.

Jesse looked over to see the girls’ soccer game. Finding Cassie, he said, “No, what did she do?”

“I heard that she went with Mark Johnson in his car—you know that he’s a Junior—and they went parking in a deserted lot on the outskirts of town.”

Jesse’s heart sank. “Who says?”

“Well, um, it’s common knowledge. The guys in high school are passing it around…She’s become a hot ticket.”

Jesse shrugged his shoulders, and replied, “Well, if she did, that’s her business…didn’t you sign the “Honest Dealing” poster yesterday?” (See Honest Dealing devotion ).

“Yeah, Jesse, we all did. Didn’t you feel pressured to sign it?”

“Not really, Randy. I like the pact for all students to do their best…Is gossiping your best, Randy?”

“It’s not gossip is it’s true.” Randy alleged. “It could be true! You know how Cassie flaunts herself…She’s a “ho”, Jesse, admit it! Didn’t you strip her of her bathing suit top at the pool?”

“That was wrong, Randy, and I’m sorry for having disrespected Cassie like that…I’m calling you out to stop spreading this lie.”

“Oh please, Jesse! I refuse to be called out by you—of all people!”

Peer-level bullying, back stabbing, innuendo (IN-NU-en-do means suggestion), infighting, sabotage (SAB-o-taj means to interfere with, disrupt, or harm), infringing on someone’s privacy, and many other offenses—like gossiping—are all labeled lateral hostility. Lateral, because it occurs among same level people, or peers. The attack always intends harm. Usually, because of a power imbalance, people threaten lateral aggression towards others.

This destructive behavior wounds and intimidates. It is found within all vocations and walks of life: churches, government, schools, even within families. Kids are most vulnerable, because they’re at the bottom rung of the power ladder.

Even Jesus’ disciples jockeyed for position in God’s kingdom. The mother of James and John, Zebedee’s sons, asked Jesus for a favor. Could her two sons be seated at His right and left hand in His kingdom? (Matthew 4:21). Jesus’ answer appears at the beginning of this devotion.

Take Home Nugget

Randy tried spicing up recess with this juicy gossip, but Jesse stopped it cold. At least some of the sixth graders took "Honest Dealing" seriously. Following Jesus is important to Jesse, and spreading vicious gossip had to end. He served his classmates, especially Cassie, by nipping Randy’s gossip in the bud.

Only those who serve are qualified to lead.

J.D. Griffith

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Written for Bible Study for Kids.