Matthew 18-12.13.22

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 18:1-5

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. "I assure you," He said, "unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child - this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me."

OBSERVATION:

The disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. This came as no surprise to Jesus because He was aware that they were concerned about who He thought was the most deserving regarding the highest position in the administration He would soon establish. So...in order to answer their question, He avoided pointing to Himself as being the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and instead He called over a child and had him stand among them. He told the disciples, "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven".

UNDERSTANDING:

The disciples must have been a bit shocked at Jesus' answer because in those days, in the Jewish society, children were regarded as not being important until they were twelve. Until then they were usually seen - but not heard. So, what did Jesus mean? He certainly didn't mean that He wanted the disciples to act childish! He was referring to the humility of being like a child, and how they tend to accept things in simplicity. Children are trusting by nature. They are needy and dependent, and they know almost nothing about life, and yet, Jesus said, "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'. (Matthew 19;14). Jesus told His disciples, "whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven".

LIFE APPLICATION:

I pray I will have what Jesus desires: childlike humility. And I pray that I will do my part to help children see their value and importance according to God, and how very much He desires to bless them because of His great love for them.

-Robin Orefice