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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" 

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