Having a
Child Like-Faith
Text:
Matthew 18:1-5
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 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 a 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.
Background:
The disciples question Jesus of Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
A topic that arouses in their own internal debate about leadership. Jesus replied to their question by calling a child, emphasizing humility, by using a child as example, stating that unless they become like a child, they will never enter the kingdom of God. The verse highly highlights
the importance of childlike humility and dependence on God as a prerequisite for entering God’s kingdom.
In the ancient world children were powerless and completely depends on the good will of others. Jesus is not suggesting that children are sinless or perfect, but rather that they exemplify humility and dependence on God. To become like a child the disciples must recognize their own limitations and dependence on God, rather than trying to assert their own greatness.
Overview:
- Children rely on others to meet their needs.
- Little children instinctively know that they are vulnerable and helpless.
- They aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it because they know that help from the right person is their source of strength.
- Children don’t care about acquiring power.
- They don’t view others as threats to their authority or power, because they don’t have any power neither authority to be threaten.
- Children knew who they belong to.
- They knew whom to run when they are afraid, hurt, overwhelmed, confused, sad, or happy.
- When children knew they are loved, they approach their parent figure with genuinely, authenticity and with confidence.
- Children knew they can come just as they are and receive at they need.
As we grow older we tend to lose our childlike innocence… but we don’t have to.
By surrendering our desires for power, fame, and authority. Recognizing that we need Jesus, we are able to let go of the pride that might keep us from His presence. And we know that we belong to Jesus and approach God with childlike confidence.
Kick Off:
Having a Childlike Faith
Text:
Matthew 18:1-2 the disciples question, asking Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus replied by calling a child to him and use it as an example. The disciples were likely vying for position and recognition, that is why they asked Jesus who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus in reply uses a child as an example of humility and dependence on God, rather than worldly understanding of greatness, that focuses on power and status. The measure of a man values the status that he holds, but the value of God far more different. Jesus is not advocating immaturity, but rather for the qualities of humility, dependence and trust and obedience as often seen in a child.
Week 1:
Childlike Faith: Becoming Like a Child
Text:
Matthew 18:3
“And He said: truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
It may be impossible for the disciple to understand what Jesus replied to them. It might be truly a shocking statement for them, because during this time, little children had no status in a very status-conscious culture of Jews, Greek and romans. Children may be loved,
valued and dearly cared for, but they had no say in the choices that impacted their lives.
Compared to adults of any age , children were powerless. The disciples ask a question that came from their dispute as to whom will be greatest, Jesus answered them in mind boggling way, unless they become like a child they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. In other words, entrance into heaven’s kingdom cannot be gained by defeating all opponents or demonstrating personal accomplishments. That those who would like to enter must make themselves humble by recognizing that, like a little children, they are powerless over the circumstances of their own lives. That are completely dependent on God. Jesus is not
pointing out to children as sinless, but as innocent and recognizes their dependance to
their provider. The world thinks that those who are capable and intelligent will be the
greatest, but Jesus tells us just the opposite.
Week 2; Childlike Faith:
Cultivating a Lowly Attitude
Text:
Matthew 18: 4
therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven Whoever therefore takes the lowly position was Jesus’ response to the deliberate question
of the disciples. That the secret of true greatness lays in that unconsciousness of being
great, which takes the lowest position. They were to make themselves lowly as He was
lowly. Christ spoke many words of His own suffering, and His Glory. Yet the disciples
overlook that and think of their own greatness. Jesus set a little child before us solemnly
assuring us that unless we were converted and make like a child we could not enter the
kingdom of God. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward
distinction, free from malice, teachable, and willingly dependent to their parents. It is true
that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught at an early age,
but these are marks of childhood. Jesus is telling us that as Christians we must side aside
our desire of ambitious views and pride and be willing to occupy proper position- lowly
one. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become
simple and humble as little children and willing to be the least of all.
Week 3
Childlike faith:
Receiving Child-Like Faith Rewards
Text:
Matthew 18:5
“And whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes Me”
Jesus says that we need to make ourselves low. In fact we are to lower ourselves in such a way so that we would welcome a child inside us. In short, we need to have a life turning humility. The change of life is how we think about ourselves. We saw in these passage, Jesus was putting the interest of others ahead of His own. He was elevating their needs and desires. Now Jesus is teaching us ( Christians) to lower the way we think about ourselves.
Jesus is picturing the kingdom of heaven as a very low doorway in which the only way to
enter is to lower yourself. Thinking about self will not let you in. thinking about how
important you are will keep you out. Turning and lowering yourself is the only way to get in.
When He says that whoever receives a child receives Him, He is saying- That He- God arranges such circumstances as opportunities for us to act in faith and obedience.
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