The Greatest in the Kingdom - Matthew 17
The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
As Jesus has consistently preached and taught the disciples about the way of the cross, which he illustrated by his carrying his own cross, the disciples though are more interested in His glory and their place in it. Jesus has only mentioned his glory once, and the disciples are more interested in their place in the kingdom than the cross. In fact, in Mark 10, we see them arguing about who is going to have a greater place in the kingdom. And we know that part of that is still predicated on their propensity to see a temporal kingdom, rather than a heavenly one as we mentioned yesterday. They focused on the here and now and what their place might be, rather than the clear call of picking up their cross and following Jesus.
To illustrate their error of thinking, Jesus uses an illustration as he is so fond of doing. He points to a little child and their powerlessness and humility and uses them as an example of the greatest in the kingdom. Importantly, he says, "unless you change and become like little children you will not see the kingdom of heaven!" Notice changing your thinking is a choice led by the Holy Spirit, similar to the process of repentance, which means to turn around, and think and act differently.
So what are the characteristics of child that Jesus might uplift them as the greatest example of someone living by the power of the kingdom. First, kids trust inherently those in authority over them like parents, coaches and teachers. The first step in following Jesus and entering His kingdom, is putting our trust in Him as Lord. Second, children humble themselves and take the lower position rather than assuming they should be the ones being served. Jesus though being in very nature God, humbled himself, and took the position of a bond servant. A bond servant is someone who voluntarily gives us their rights to become a slave to others. Pretty radical stuff huh? Finally, Jesus closes by saying that by welcoming this type of person we welcome him. Normally we entertain those who we either like, or want to get to know better. Or, in some cases, by entertaining them it might increase our social standing. But Jesus says when we are hospitable to the humble servant, we are in essence welcoming and inviting him into our lives.
Where is God calling you to humble yourself, trust him, and become childlike in your faith? Sometimes circumstances in our lives force us to humble ourselves. And who might God be calling you to welcome in His name? As we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all the things we need will be added unto us well. Matthew 6:33
Jesus thank you for showing us what true greatness looks like. Give us the grace to humble ourselves like the little children you talked about today. Point out to us those we might welcome in Your name. Amen.
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
As Jesus has consistently preached and taught the disciples about the way of the cross, which he illustrated by his carrying his own cross, the disciples though are more interested in His glory and their place in it. Jesus has only mentioned his glory once, and the disciples are more interested in their place in the kingdom than the cross. In fact, in Mark 10, we see them arguing about who is going to have a greater place in the kingdom. And we know that part of that is still predicated on their propensity to see a temporal kingdom, rather than a heavenly one as we mentioned yesterday. They focused on the here and now and what their place might be, rather than the clear call of picking up their cross and following Jesus.
To illustrate their error of thinking, Jesus uses an illustration as he is so fond of doing. He points to a little child and their powerlessness and humility and uses them as an example of the greatest in the kingdom. Importantly, he says, "unless you change and become like little children you will not see the kingdom of heaven!" Notice changing your thinking is a choice led by the Holy Spirit, similar to the process of repentance, which means to turn around, and think and act differently.
So what are the characteristics of child that Jesus might uplift them as the greatest example of someone living by the power of the kingdom. First, kids trust inherently those in authority over them like parents, coaches and teachers. The first step in following Jesus and entering His kingdom, is putting our trust in Him as Lord. Second, children humble themselves and take the lower position rather than assuming they should be the ones being served. Jesus though being in very nature God, humbled himself, and took the position of a bond servant. A bond servant is someone who voluntarily gives us their rights to become a slave to others. Pretty radical stuff huh? Finally, Jesus closes by saying that by welcoming this type of person we welcome him. Normally we entertain those who we either like, or want to get to know better. Or, in some cases, by entertaining them it might increase our social standing. But Jesus says when we are hospitable to the humble servant, we are in essence welcoming and inviting him into our lives.
Where is God calling you to humble yourself, trust him, and become childlike in your faith? Sometimes circumstances in our lives force us to humble ourselves. And who might God be calling you to welcome in His name? As we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all the things we need will be added unto us well. Matthew 6:33
Jesus thank you for showing us what true greatness looks like. Give us the grace to humble ourselves like the little children you talked about today. Point out to us those we might welcome in Your name. Amen.
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