Tag: Matthew 18:1-6
Day 5–Jesus Values Children!
Scripture reading for January 9: Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father Who is in heaven.”
The setting for this strong warning of Jesus was a discussion with the disciples about who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:1-6) Jesus called a little child to join Him and used this child as an illustration of kingdom greatness. Children are usually meek and obedient to their parents and older adults. They easily believe and trust. Jesus taught that those entering God’s kingdom must become like this child in his heart. True greatness comes from a humbled heart that is willing to listen and obey. If these disciples wanted to be great, they must receive the children and bless them, becoming like them. They had been rebuking them and sending them away.
Children are a blessing from the Lord Who loves and wants to bless them. God has assigned angels to each child to watch over them and report to God the Father concerning them. These heavenly protectors would report any mistreatment or abuse of children or the despising of them to Him. Jesus warned those sinning against children or leading them to sin that it would be better to have a great millstone fastened around the neck of the despising adult and they be cast into the deep sea. (Matthew 18:5-6)
As responders, we are often called to help children as well as the adults in their lives. Our society and the world culture often mistreats and demeans children. Children are sometimes marginalized and abused, even by their own parents or siblings. We must keep a clear focus on God’s love for His children. We must treat them with respect and dignity and protect them from harm. We must remember how we must keep the heart of a child as well to be the best servant in any situation. Jesus loves the children and calls us to lay our hand on them in blessing for Him.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for caring for children. Forgive me if I have marginalized or despised children in any way. Lead me in each incident to show love and respect and truly serve these who matter to You. Amen.
Heaven’s greatest!
Scripture reading for January 24: Matthew 18
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in My Name receives Me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:1-6
Fame, fortune and beauty define the greatest people in the eyes of the world. Therefore, the world is always seeking prestige from great accomplishments, earning large amounts of money, or being especially beautiful or handsome. All these accomplishments most often come with pride and promotion and competition for the top spots. Contests are set up, lists of famous people are made, and fortunes are totaled to determine the winners.
But Jesus’ disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Their motive was probably to have Jesus confirm one of them in that role but Jesus took this opportunity to expand their world view. He found a child and had him put in their midst and made a bold statement. “Whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” This was a challenge to their current self-centered view of being the greatest disciples. Not that this desire was bad, but the path to greatness was through humility and serving and learning God’s way of the cross. They were also warned to be careful that their worldly attitudes and actions might cause the children to go astray. This would bring eternal loss and judgment.
Are you currently seeking fulfilment through the world’s path of pride and accomplishment? Have you considered the children in your life that you are influencing? What actions will you take to respond?
Prayer: Father God, I confess that I have desired ‘greatness’ in this world system. Thank You for showing me my children and my need to become like a child and learn from You and them. Lead me today in the path of true greatness and humble service. Amen.