Primary Text: Matthew 18:1-22
Memory Verse: 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. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:3-5
Introduction:
Jesus told His disciples that unless they changed and became as little children, they would never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What characteristics were Jesus referring to about children that He wanted His disciples to have? Some of the characteristics that come to mind are that: children are dependent; they are trusting; they are subservient; they are adaptable, teachable; easily receive; easily forgive; and freely volunteer.
The opposite characteristics had been true of God’s people. They were selfish, hard-hearted, and unteachable. Their pride kept entering in and causing conflict and division. Jesus rebuked them for these self-centered attitudes.
The whole idea that being “great in the Kingdom” meant to be like a child was a foreign concept to the disciples. Children of Jesus’s day were in a lowly and vulnerable position in society. They were easily taken advantage of and were at the bottom of the social pyramid, next to slaves. For Jesus to have used children as a model of greatness must have confused the disciples. To say that a “child was great” would have been considered an oxymoron—like saying “pretty ugly” or “alone together.” They seemed to be contradictory terms.
Yet, this was the criteria that Jesus was using to apply to the actions of His disciples. In order to be considered great in the work of the Lord, they needed to humble themselves and be teachable in spirit. This is greatness as determined by God, rather than man.
The reference says that we must be “converted” as little children. The word converted is the Greek word, strépho, which means to turn, change or adopt another course. It entails a recognition of sin and human lack, and a desire to gain righteousness. Now Jesus adds the additional criterion that conversion also entails becoming teachable and being humble—the greatest qualities of children.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What attitude of service does Jesus require of His followers? Matthew 18:4; Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 5:5.
- What promises are given to those who are humble? James 4:6; Luke 9:48; Isaiah 57:15; Proverbs 22:4.
- Brainstorm characteristics of being “child-like” (e.g., being dependent on a parent, etc.). Compare your list to the qualities Jesus desires in a disciple. Matthew 18:3; Numbers 11:12; Zechariah 8:5; 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 6:4.
- Why does Jesus warn against being a stumbling block? Matthew 18:6-7; Romans 14:13; 1 John 2:10.
- Being members of the “family of God,” what responsibilities do we have to one another? Matthew 18:10, 15-16; Colossians 3:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:15; Titus 3:10.
- How are reconciliation and forgiveness exercised in resolving conflicts? Matthew 18:15, 21-22; Luke 12:58; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13.
- If the truth of Jesus is rejected, how are we supposed to treat the person who rejects it? Luke 9:56; Matthew 9:36; Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 5:2.