Topic: CHILDREN AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Text: Matthew 18:1-16
18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
18:2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them
18:3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
18:4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
18:5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
18:6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
18:7 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
18:8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.
18:9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into [b]hell fire.
18:10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
18:11 For[c] the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
18:12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?
18:13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.
18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
18:16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
STUDY:
IN out text, Jesus talks about little children and the kingdom of God. As the Apostles were struggling amongst themselves to know who was the greatest, Jesus informed them that they must be as humble as a little child. Little children are trusting, lowly, loving, open and eager to learn, and also forgiving, among other things. Jesus warned that if anyone causes children to sin, such a person will be in serious trouble (v. 6). He also warned that we must not despise little children because in heaven, their angels behold the face of God (v. 10). That is, children enjoy a special privilege.
How do you treat little children – your own children and those of others? Remember, they occupy a special place in the heart of God. We must therefore be careful how we handle them. As Jesus stated, we must humble ourselves like these little children if we must enter heaven. That is, we must be children in heart and in attitude, to make heaven. How ready are you? Some people say that God does not have grandchildren but only children. So, anyone who humbles himself like a little child, is a child of God.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, make me a little child in thought and action so I can qualify for heaven.
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