At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “So who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a small child and had him stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child - this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me. —Matthew 18:1-5
Aspire to be like a
“So who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” —Matthew 18:1
“He called a small child and had him stand among them.” —Matt 18:2
“Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child - this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3-4
Aspire to childlike
Aspire to childlike
Aspire to childlike
Aspire to childlike
Aspire to childlike
“For we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” —G.K. Chesterton
“The message is that for us to see and to be close to God we have to relinquish the part of us that feels important and knowledgeable as a grown-up and turn in a state of not-knowing to God.” —Fiona Gardner
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child - this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:4
“And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.” —Matthew 18:5
“The greatest in Gods reign are this who know how little us under their control, and who focus on loving and serving people in need instead of promoting themselves…Jesus invites us to become like little children, trusting in God and following Jesus in the self-emptying way of love.” —Judith Jones
For further study:
Scripture: Psalm 68; Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 3:1-2
Resources: “The Only Mind Worth Having” by Fiona Gardner
Community Group Guide:
What is the human idea of greatness?
With the child, how does Jesus reorient the idea of greatness?
What childlike attributes do you feel invited to pursue?
To prepare for next week: Read and meditate on Matthew 19