Matthew 18:1-6

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The disciples consistently had problems understanding how the nature of the kingdom of heaven would be different from a typical earthly kingdom. Later, they will argue among themselves as to which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom. James and John will actually request that they be allowed to sit on the right and left of Jesus in the kingdom.

Therefore, in order to clearly illustrate the nature of God’s kingdom, Jesus sets a child in their midst and states that unless a person becomes like a child, he will not be able to enter the kingdom, much less be the greatest in the kingdom. The key to child-likeness is humility. It is the desire to please and serve without a thought of seeking greatness. The disciples were concerned with being important and were seeking to exalt themselves above others. However, a young child has no thought of self-promotion and ego.

In verses four through six, Jesus subtly changes the subject from the child to the person who becomes like the child. In verse four, He calls on all disciples to humble themselves like children, which will cause them to become great in the kingdom. In verse five, evidence of a disciple’s humility will be seen in how they receive those who have become like a child. Those who are self-important not only find children a nuisance, they have no time for those who live a humble life in service to the Lord. Therefore, in verse six, Jesus is not talking about children, but those who are believers and have become like children in their humble acceptance of the word of God. To cause one of these to sin will result in extreme condemnation. To have one’s final resting place to be in the depth of the sea would be better than the punishment such a person will receive on the day of judgment. There are two ways we could cause a person to sin. Either we would encourage a person to do what they believed to be wrong, or we would discourage a person from doing what is right. We need to strongly consider that this can be done by words or actions. Others are affected by our example. We need not talk someone into doing what is wrong; our example will suffice.

Berry Kercheville