Skip to main content

156. Who Is The Greatest?


Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke 9:46-48
Key Verse: "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:4

Jesus loves children! That is obvious from the accounts that we read today. Can you imagine being the child that Jesus took into His arms as He talked with His disciples? What must that have felt like for that child? What would it be like to have a physical, close, hands on hug from God Himself? Just thinking about it fills me with awe and longing.

Jesus was honoring this child in response to the childish behavior of His grown disciples. What a silly argument; "Who is the greatest?" Perhaps the argument was brought on by the fact that Jesus had appeared to play favorites with Peter, James and John. Perhaps there was some childish behavior such as jealousy or bragging going on between them. Notice, they were leaving Jesus out of the discussion, as we often do when we are sinning. Childish behavior in adults can be so unappealing. Jesus was aware of it all anyway, as He always is. So, He took the child in His arms and talked to His foolish disciples about what is truly important to God.

David had written in Psalm 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." A broken heart is a humble heart. It is humility, not pride and jostling for position that the Lord wishes to see among His followers who identify themselves with His name. But if Jesus was disapproving of the childish behavior that His disciples were displaying, then what exactly is He looking for when He says, "Come like a child?" Let's explore the characteristics that children have that God does approve of and in doing so, perhaps learn better how to display His glory.

First of all, children are helpless. They have no power in this world. They are totally dependent on those around them to have their needs met. We should be as dependent upon our God.

Children are trusting. They will believe what they are told and trust that they will be cared for. We should be as trusting in our God.

Children are open and honest. It was a child that announced, "The emperor has no clothes!" We should be as open and honest with our Heavenly Father and those around us.

Children are humble. They know that they can't do many things without help so they are willing to ask. Are we willing to ask God for His help before it's too late?

Children are eager to learn. Children love to absorb knowledge. What parent hasn't been plagued with the "Why" questions from their toddler? Do we have a yearning to continue growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Children are eager to please others. Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, that he too is looking forward to hearing our Lord say, "Well done good and faithful servant!" Are we as eager to please our Lord?

Children are Adaptable. How adaptable are you for our Lord?

Children are joyful. Children bring sunshine. Jesus said that we too should let our lights shine so that others will see our good works and give God glory." (Matt. 5:16) Are we shining for Jesus?

Children are unconditionally loving and forgiving. In Paul's description of love in 1 Cor. 13:4-7, we are taught to do the same, but will we do that for our Lord?

"Come like a child." "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me." (Mark 9:37)

Hymn: "Jesus Loves Me" 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

It’s Worth Everything

Phil 1:12-30 Listen Link: www.lcepc.org then look for “sermons” tab. Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever lived through very difficult circumstances? Sure, we all have. But what you have experienced, certainly I will say that what I have experienced, is probably very mild compared to what Paul endured. And yet he is the one who said, “Whatever happens, stand firm. It’s worth it.” What encouragement does he give? Is there any evidence that Paul knows what he is talking about? All he says in this letter is, “I am in chains.” But there is so much more to this story! Most likely Paul was writing from prison in Rome, the one we read about in Acts 28. But the whole drama of how he got there starts in Acts 21. Seven chapters in the Book of Acts describe the things that happened after Paul completed his third missionary journey and returned to Jerusalem. I think it’s important to summarize those events here because it will add meaning to what Paul means by stand firm. The dram
Post a Comment
Read more

130. Healing or Exorcism?

Matthew 9:32-34 Key Verse: The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel." Matthew 9:33B In contrast to the two blind men who came on their own (yesterday’s reading), here is a man who was brought to Jesus by others. This demon behaved very differently than the other demons that we have encountered up to this point. Most of them were combative, or left their victims on the ground while they went screaming off into, who knows where. This one never says a word, but still it must submit to Jesus’ command. Interesting also, that sometimes Jesus tells the people he has healed not to say anything.  But in the case of healing a mute who couldn’t say anything, it is best if he speaks! Besides, the crowds saw it for themselves and were amazed. It was already public. Nobody could’ve kept it under wraps.  Once again, the Pharisees were given an opportunity to praise God, but instead they criticized Jesus and said, “It is by the prince o
Post a Comment
Read more

152. Those Who Found the Price Too High

John 6:60-71 Key Verse: "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63 When we covered the early part of this passage, (John 6:29-59), we discussed how Jesus made following Him an exclusive calling. God chooses us and we choose Him. As a result, God has certain expectations on us as followers, and partakers of His son. All of this has to do with the "Cost of Discipleship." We don't cover this topic as much as, perhaps, we should as Christians. Too many of us believe that all that is required of us is to pray the sinners' prayer and then it's a done deal. However, have you ever thought about the fact that the "sinner's prayer," or the prayer that leads to salvation is not in Scripture? It is a series of phrases that have been strung together by people, to cover the bases so that you can surrender to Jesus and begin your walk with Him.  The true, main
Post a Comment
Read more