Greatest in the Kingdom

13. February 2009 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

We are finally in another chapter.  Today, we start Matthew 18. 

Our text is as follows:

Matthew 18: 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 ”And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

 The disciples came to Jesus and they wanted to know about rank and position.  They asked him who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus called a little child to him and had him stand among the disciples.   Jesus said something really profound.   He said that unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

We can clearly see in our text that the fact that the disciples were even worrying about rank or position showed that they had not matured yet and they still didn’t understand.

Jesus went on to explain that whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  The concept is that greatness comes from humility and not pride.   Seeking recognition does not equate to greatness.    

Jesus then goes on to talk about the innocence of the little children.   Jesus said that if whoever welcomes a little child like this welcomes him but whoever causes them to sin would be better off if they had killed themselves.  

We can’t just do any and everything we want to people.  We are accountable for our actions.  God is concerned about his children; those who in innocence and in sincerity are trying to live to the best of their ability in their obedience and service to him.     God warns us against causing them to stumble.  

I use to be really hostile towards Christianity.   For a season in my life, I even attempted to destroy anyone claiming to be a Christian trying to trap and tempt them to be hypocritical to their faith. 

It is amazing that the religion that I sought to disprove, I now am committing to defend.     What a God we serve.  He really is amazing. 

 Be careful about the traps and temptations you set for God’s children.   We will have to answer to God for our actions and remember greatness is achieved through serving and humility. 

Stay encouraged!!!!!!!!! 

Have a wonderful weekend.   See you on Monday. 

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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