Matthew 18
“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Matthew 18:1b
Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:5
We have seen glimpses of Jesus in His glory, power and humility, and now we, just like the disciples, are challenged in how we see ourselves in the light of His great grace. “The theme that binds this section together is God’s concern for the spiritually needy”(Bryan Chapell). Jesus warns us that we must change and become child-like (not childish!). That means we need to be humble, trusting, dependent on Him, realising that we are powerless to save ourselves, teachable with an expectant attitude. That is so radically different to the world where one competes for promotions, personal advantage and status.
We are also warned strongly to not lead anyone into sin, but rather to deal with our sin radically and truthfully, to confess and forsake sin. (verses 5-7)
So let us search our hearts, confess our sins and turn to Jesus, our king.
“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world, but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.” John Newton
Thank you Lord Jesus, our great King and gracious Saviour!