Matthew 18:1-14

 

READ MATTHEW 18:1-14!

Chapter 18 begins with the disciples asking Jesus a question. “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus then tell them that anyone who humbles themselves like a child, they would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What is it to be humble? To not be proud or boastful and recognizing that without Jesus, you wouldn’t have anything. To give Him all the glory and praise. But then Jesus goes on to tell the disciples why it is important to not lead one of these little one to stumble or lead them to temptation.  

Kids are quick to forgive and make up. They love with all that they have and trust easily. We should be this way too in our walk with Jesus. What is it to be “Christ-like”? To love each and every one of them unconditionally. To lead them by example and not have a motto that is “Do as I say, and not as I do.” That would be contradictory and lead the children astray. What God says, He does. We are to do this too.

Not just with the kids, but with those who have just given their heart to Jesus. We are to love them with open arms. We have not been commanded to condemn them for their past before they accepted Jesus. We have been commanded to love them like we love ourselves. The first step is to admit you’re a sinner in need of a savior. God loves you so much that all of heaven rejoices when you say yes to Him. It is not the will of the Father for you to perish but to have live eternally with him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ASHLEY WHISNEANT is the wife of 8 years to Josh, and a home schooling mom of 3 children. She and her husband are serving as Associate Pastors of Trinity Church since February 2014 and have an evangelical ministry called Intense Ministries since 2010.