Someone has said; To live above with Saints we love, will certainly be glory. To live below with Saints we know now that s a different story.

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1 Introduction In the first ten chapters of Matthew s gospel Jesus is revealed as King. He is no ordinary King. His Kingdom is no ordinary Kingdom. In chapters we looked at the people s rebellion against the King. Chapters trace the retreat of the King as Jesus pulls His disciples away for an intense period of personal training and instruction. In chapter 17 Jesus introduces His disciples to a series of subjects in light of His rejection; instructions about faith (17:14-21); instructions about Jesus death (17:22-23); instructions about citizenship (17:24-27) and now Jesus will give instructions about humility (18:1-5) and causing offense (18:6). Later in the chapter Jesus will deal with forgiveness (18:21-35); divorce (19:1-15); wealth 19:16-20:16). Someone has said; To live above with Saints we love, will certainly be glory. To live below with Saints we know now that s a different story. Heaven is in our future. But what about now? How do we live with each other fallen people in a fallen world? Years ago there was a popular TV series called Seinfeld. In the final episode of the long running series there was a revelation that everyone in the audience already knew; the main characters on the show were self-absorbed, at times conceited, cruel, petty, perverse and very funny. Fallen people know about truth but often sink into a sea of lies. They know about humility but reward themselves on the basis of pride. They know about the concept of forgiveness, but rarely exercise it and then only under unusual circumstances. In chapter 18 Jesus deals with Kingdom Life in the here and now with Saints we know. In the here and now we sometimes annoy each other, offend each other, rub each other the wrong way. Yet Jesus calls us to live as people of God in this thing called the community of God or the Church. We are called to live in community, in families, at work, in business or schools. Years ago Rodney King s painful question was almost prophetic in light of our culture s deep divide; Why can t we all just get along? The answer in part is because we are not really all that good after all. We are not really very kind. In fact the Bible makes a powerful argument that we are sinners by nature and by choice. We are for the most part self-absorbed, self-consumed, selfish. No wonder America loved Seinfeld. We love greatness. We love great athletes, great accomplishments, great wealth, great art. The word great generally conjures images of great buildings or great powers, or wealth or influence or position. In God s Kingdom greatness is something entirely different. Greatness in the kingdom is not power but love, not influence but service, not status or position but a person s ability to judge themselves in light of what God has to say about them. In the topsy turvy world of the Kingdom of God the first are last, the least are greatest, the rich are poor and the poor are rich. Christians in order to be fit for this Kingdom we must learn the lessons of honesty, humility and forgiveness. Do Christians ever hurt each other? Do Christians ever sin against one another? Then we must learn how to undo the damage and make things right. We develop our character for heaven in part here on the earth by humbling ourselves and serving each other. In the Kingdom of Heaven we tell the truth to one another (in love); we forgive each other and we love each other and are reconciled to one another. 1

2 The Question Of Greatness (v.1) Matthew 18:1 (NKJV)1At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The Lord Jesus might have had many things on His mind. Was He thinking about His future trip to Jerusalem? There He would be arrested, tried in a series of illegal courts, beaten and killed. He would rise from the dead. While the thoughts of Jesus may have been on His upcoming passion, the disciples thoughts were on themselves. In Luke s parallel account (9:46) we read; Then a dispute arose among them as to which of the them would be greatest. They argued about position, power, influence reputation. Did Peter say look I just caught the miracle money in the fish s mouth! Jesus gave me the keys to the Kingdom. I witnessed the raising of Jairus daughter, walked on water (briefly) and witnessed the transfiguration. Muhammad Ali once said, I m the greatest. I am so great. I can t be beat. The only way I am going to be licked if they put my face on a postage stamp (which they did!). Mark s gospel (9:33-34) reveals that Jesus asked them what were you arguing about on the road? But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Have you ever been involved in some petty affair and Jesus catches you red-handed? Face to face with Jesus they are are too ashamed to talk. They are too ashamed to admit their jealousy, and posturing for power. The disciples still failed to see the truth about the King and the Kingdom. Jesus revealed the truth about His identity, mission and destiny but it did not seem to matter to the disciples! They were still convinced that somehow Jesus would establish an earthly kingdom and they would be appointed to positions of greatness. Jesus was preparing to die and they were pushing for position. After arguing they go to Jesus to settle the dispute. Jesus will tell us who is greatest. You would think that Jesus would say; You re all a bunch of hypocritical babies! You are proud, arrogant, ignorant, selfish, rude, conceited, and completely captivated by this world. But Jesus is gentle gracious, generous patient. In the Church we still ask the question; who is the greatest? Only we say which church is doctrinally sound, or which Bible teacher best reflects our own ideas. We want great teachers, great ministries, global outreach and great impact. We want sound churches and sound Bible teachers and we still want the perception of greatness. We want to sit in the seat of honor, attend power lunches, and influence the famous, and reach the lost (but for the wrong reasons to remind the world of my wonderful ministry). People still define effective ministry in terms of power ministry, power evangelism, greatest influence. We want the fastest growing church, radio and television and internet presence, we measure ministry in terms of sheer volume. Can we have love and doctrinal purity? I believe we can. Why then is there so much disunity, division, dissatisfaction, problems, sects, schisms? I believe that part of our problem is selfexaltation and pride. We think too highly of ourselves. We exaggerate and inflate who we are. 2

3 It was pride that transformed Lucifer the angel into Satan the devil. Pride caused Adam and Eve to taste forbidden fruit. Pride attempts to satisfy self apart from God s revelation in Christ. I found a note with this intriguing title: How To Be Perfectly Miserable 1. Think about yourself. 2. Talk about yourself. 3. Use the personal pronoun I as often as possible. 4. Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others. 5. Listen greedily to what people say about you (check Facebook). 6. Insist on consideration and respect. 7. Demand agreement with your views on everything. 8. Sulk if people aren t grateful for what you have done for them. 9. Never forget a favor you did for someone else. 10. Expect to be appreciated. 11. Be suspicious. 12. Be sensitive to slights. 13. Be jealous and envious. 14. Never forget a criticism. 15. Don t trust anyone but yourself. A Rabbi and a New England minister were getting to know one another. Proudly the minister exclaimed; One of my ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence. I understand your pride responded the Rabbi. Once of my ancestors signed the Ten Commandments. Contrast that list with the following Scriptures; (Philippians 2:1-2) Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Think about it. You were not saved to live for yourself and think about yourself. When Christians are living for themselves and not for others, there is bound to be conflict and division (see Wiersbe p. 64). Personality promotion leads to a pecking order of the have s and have nots in ministry. We are constantly challenged to be number 1 and win! Don t misunderstand Christians are to put forth optimum effort. We put forth our best effort. Paul did. Philippians 3:12-14; Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. If being number one and winning means being served, the need to be served, the desire to be served this is sub-christian (see Kent Hughes p. 30). 3

4 The Recipe For Greatness (vv.2-5) 2Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3and 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. Who will Jesus pick? Will Jesus call out Peter or James or John? Imagine their surprise when Jesus picks a little child (we don t know if the child was male or female or their name or their age). If Jesus were in Peter s home at Capernaum he may have picked one his children! Jesus uses the child as a living, breathing, illustration or visual aide. Jesus spoke in the Aramaic language. In the Aramaic language the word child and servant are identical. I believe Jesus is using the child in at least two ways; (1) as an example of humility and (2) and a picture of conversion or transformation or being born again. The Lord points to a child about the reality of goodness rather than degrees of greatness. When Jesus says (v.3)...unless you are converted or literally turn around or turn about or go in a different direction! Jesus is in effect saying or telling the disciples you are not walking towards the Kingdom but away from the Kingdom! In order to turn around and walk in a different direction they are going to have to renounce their wicked and selfish ideas about personal greatness. This is the very essence of repentance and the Greek verb is in what is called an active voice implying definite action a change in relation to God evoked by the new perception and requirement! In order to turn to God we must turn away from sin turn from pride, turn from foolishness and selfishness this is something far greater than penance or mere sorrow for sin. The old catechisms say, Repentance whereby we forsake sin or the old children s rhyme; Repentance is to leave The sins we loved before, And show that we in earnest grieve By doing them no more. What does it mean to become as a little child? Watch cartoons or purchase your Kindergarten Lunch Pail on Ebay? Jesus does not mean mental or emotional regression or childishness Jesus is speaking of the moral elements of child-like trust and faith and dependence. Children have a keen and well developed conscience. W.H. Griffith Thomas includes the elements of; 1. Children are teachable eager to learn and be correctly informed. 2. Children are trustful with a simplicity of faith that is attractive and appealing. 4

5 3. Children are tender compassion runs deep and they are easily moved. What does it mean to be like a child? Teachable, trusting, tender. You cannot be great in God s Kingdom if you don t enter that Kingdom. 4Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Now Jesus is ready to answer the disciples question (v.1). Who is the greatest in the Kingdom? Apparently greatness in the Kingdom in essence boils down to humility. The constituent parts that make humility possible are simplicity the absence of anything doubtful and the presence of all things genuine; sincerity motives clear as crystal and pure as the fresh Colorado snow. And of course sensitivity a conscience always tender and in nature sympathetic to others misfortune. Humility of character generates humble service. And note Jesus associates this humility with reception -not rejection. With inclusion not exclusion. Receiving such a child in Christ s name is equivalent to receiving Him. In effect we receive God s children like we receive real children! Yes if you hate children in real life chances are you are going to have a problem! We are to have a simple open affection! How do you receive children? Do you demand credentials? Do you take into consideration that they are children and may be more concerned about playing and less concerned about politics? Do you ask the child for a resume or a list of their achievements? Do you insist they recite the Apostle s Creed or the Westminster Confession (well yes!)? Do you quiz them on theological issues or do you ask about personal achievements? Or do you love them simply because they are children? And note humility in action true greatness is going lower stooping serving the least of these (25:40); even Jesus came not to be served but rather to serve (Phil. 2:7). I read the story of a rich baker who sent for 20 of the poorest children in town and said to them, In this basket is a loaf of bread for each of you. Take one and come back every day and I ll give you more. Immediately the youth began quarreling about who would get the largest loaf. Snatching from the basket, they left without even thanking the baker. Gretchen, a poorly dressed little girl, patiently waited until the others had left. She then took the smallest loaf, which remained in the basket, kissed the old man s hand, and went home. The next day the scene was repeated. But when Gretchen s mother sliced this loaf, she found many silver pieces inside. When Gretchen took the money back to the baker, he said, No, my child, it was not a mistake. I 5

6 put them into the smallest loaf to reward you. God has a special reward for those who seek lesee, who are willing to take less and give more. For some great ministry means how high can I go? Humility cries how low can I go? Jesus tried to explain this to His disciples when he said, you know how the Gentiles lord over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever wants to be first, let him be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many (see Matt ). I heard the story of a man who was voted Most Humble in his church. The church gave him a party and a pin that read Most humble man in the church. They eventually had to take the pin from him because he refused to take it off. Humility has been called the grace or virtue that once you know you have it you lost it. Someone once defined humility as seeing yourself the way God sees you! Warren Wiersbe wrote; True humility means knowing yourself, accepting yourself, and being yourself your best self to the glory of God. It means avoiding extremes; thinking less than you ought to (as Moses did when God called him Exodus 3:11) or thinking more highly than you ought (Rom. 12:3). The truly humble person does not deny the gifts God has given him, but uses them to the glory of God (Wiersbe p. 64). The Consequences Of Sin (v.6) 6 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Receiving the child generates great reward. Rejection offense the solemn possibility of hurting the child results in grave punishment. Parents teachers Christian workers pay close attention to our children. Love them. Protect them. Later in the chapter Jesus says (v.10); Take heed that do not despise one of these little ones. In chapter 19:14 Jesus says Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Paul writing to the Ephesians (6:4) says And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath and (Col. 3:21) Fathers, do not provoke your children. Despise not, forbid not, provoke not. The word translated sin means to stumble or offend. It can mean to throw off course or misdirect. Roy Rogers was quizzed by another famous singing cowboy Michael Martin Murphey about advice. Don t send a young person down the wrong trail. And always have a horse. If people begin to hate you they will always love your horse. Every teacher in America ought to have this scripture on their desk! Millstones were large, flat stones used to grind grain. Italian people opt for cement shoes. Jesus a stone necklace. Even though Jewish people live near water they were never really an ocean going people. Many Jews were deathly afraid of the water and drowning. The Jewish nation never had a large naval armada. Jews refused to execute people by drowning because they were afraid of the water! When Jesus made this statement it would have sent chills up the spine of everyone listening! 6

7 Most parents are deeply grateful when people love, serve and help our children. Children should never be hurt at Church. Children should never be hurt at home or in School. Do you want to know what God thinks about people who give themselves permission to hurt children? To mislead children? Molest children? Read this verse over and over again. God is not apathetic or indifferent or unconcerned about people who threaten children, hurt children, abuse children, or kill children. Conclusion We are given two great directions in relation to the Kingdom. Instructions on how to enter and then directions on how to advance in Christ s kingdom! Look at the door marked humility. O to grace how great a debtor! Humble yourselves (1 Peter 5:6). When we are yoked (joined) with Christ we learn that Jesus is meek and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29). Often when we talk about humility is an admission we do not possess it. But to walk with Jesus and in Jesus is to have it without knowing it. We see the best in others and the worst in ourselves. Self-contemplation often leads to self-congratulation which is always the path of pride! We are told by Jesus to believe and abide and follow Him! I heard the story of a little girl who asked her mother if one could feel the soul or hear it or see it! The mother replied, No the soul cannot be felt or heard but sometimes we can see it in the eyes. The little girl asked her mother, Let me look in your eyes! And of course she saw her own image in her mother s eyes and said, Oh Mother, your soul is a little child! 7