Matthew 18:1-4
‘At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him among them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”‘
This is good. There are many questions that Jesus doesn’t answer. It wasn’t a bad question, it’s just far away from the way God thinks. On earth we think of deeds, abilities, and greatness. God doesn’t. He thinks of love, giving and humility.
Jesus brings the topic into an unthinkable area by bringing in a child. Children are the ones who are ignored when the adults are talking. They are told to go talk to you brother. They aren’t even in the room. Yet Jesus says we are to become like a child.
What aspect of the child does Jesus want us to emulate? Humility. He says, “whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
As we look at the beatitudes we see what Jesus is talking about. Blessed are the meek, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and so on. These aren’t on the table when we talk of greatness. That’s because we don’t think as God does. He wants us to change our mindset to be like His.
We get more insight in the disciple’s question from Mark 9:33,34, ‘They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them: “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.’ This is the petty stuff people get caught up in. We are all guilty of it.
Jesus isn’t saying kids are perfect. They have many great traits. One is how quickly they brush off offenses. They might have been arguing at recess, but are playing together again at lunch. They don’t hold grudges. Adults do.
Jesus wants them to get off the topic of self focus. No “I, me, mine”. God lets others go first. He elevates others, He seeks to bless others. That’s His focus. That’s why He detonates their conversation about greatness.
God wants us to be humble. Greatest doesn’t enter into the conversation of a humble person. It’s abrasive to them. God gave us a new nature. As we grow in Christ that nature develops as we are in His Word. As we follow the current of God’s ways, we find that they are peaceful and good. When pride enters it’s like a clanging gong. It’s out of place.
Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse has this to say, “Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us daily study this subject, and examine our own spirits.”
Thank You, Jesus, for bring up this topic. Your humility is such a blessing. Help us humble like You.