LESSON 11: Greatest one in the Kingdom of God
LESSON 11
GREATEST ONE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Mt.18:1-5)
Jesus always loves kids. One day the disciples were having an argument about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. They were feeling very proud of themselves at the time and were sure that one of them would be the greatest. So they asked Jesus who would be the greatest? But instead of picking one of those disciples he did this…
He brought a child before them and put his arm around the child. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:3-5
That is pretty awesome that Jesus feels that way about you children. He was representing children as his equal when he talked about whoever welcomes a little child welcomes him. Sometimes as adults we get mixed up and think we should try to be powerful, make a lot of money, or be in a position that others will think we are important. But Jesus tells us that the greatest are those who are humble and have sincere hearts like children.
So we should live like innocent kids to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Christ taught to bring up the kids in connection with God. We have to love and respect kids. Jesus said: ”If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt. 18:6). Jesus gave that much importance to kids.
Video Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNIAiDrWwdY
What do you learn about Children in the Kingdom of God?
The first thing we can learn from children is that they have a certain HUMILITY about them that adults usually lose. The question from the disciples is still on the minds of many today: Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? “Who is the best musician in the church?” “Who has been the most faithful member?” “Who should sit in the first chair in the orchestra? I should, right?”
A little child doesn’t think of himself as a “big shot,” at least not as much as adults do (they are often scared to sing or play in front of people). They consider it a privilege just to participate. They don’t yet have that haughty attitude that they’re God’s gift to mankind; they are often receptive to constructive criticism. To be truly greatest, you must humble yourself “as this little child”.
The second thing we can learn about children is that they have a mighty Defender. A proud person likes to receive important people but he doesn’t have much time for the little guy, much less one such little child in Jesus’ name. Yet by ignoring the unimportant child, or any real Christian who is often brushed aside, they are passing up the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ Himself.
Jesus gives a very stern warning to “who so shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me”. God is especially angry at those who molest children. And our country right now is in dreadful trouble with all the official LGBT indoctrination in our public schools. Our school system is intentionally–and proudly–trying to raise children to be perverted, mixed up, and wicked. When those who try to turn children’s hearts against Jesus see the judgment prepared for them (unless they repent), they would immediately rather choose being drowned in the depth of the sea with a millstone hanged about their neck, if they had a choice.
If you are saved, then you, too, are a “little child” at heart and in God’s sight. In the kingdom of heaven, for humble souls, being called a “little child” is really a great compliment!
Questions:
- Why did Jesus say: “Only those who are like children can enter the Kingdom of Heaven”?
- Explain the significance of children.
- What is the punishment for those who lead the children through wrong path?