Just because we have an close walk with Jesus we are not immune from the desire to have positions of power. The disciples were no exception to this very human desire.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18.1).
The devil took Jesus to a high mountain and tempted him with power and glory (Matthew 4.8-10). This temptation had no effect on Jesus because of his faithful relationship to the Father.
In contrast, I have battled the desire for recognition and honor my whole life. I can readily understand the disciples and their wonderment about who among them was the greatest.
Jesus challenged his disciples with an acted-out parable.
He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18.2-5).
Today’s Western culture places great value on children, but that was not the case in the first century. Children, immigrants, and widows were the most vulnerable and least valued persons in their time.
Jesus didn’t place a cute child, full of unlimited potential, before them as an example of greatness.
The child was an example of vulnerability and dependence. Their humility was that of people humbled by their status in life.
It is easy to read this interchange between Jesus and his followers and move on to the next Bible passage. Let’s stay here for a minute and ask ourselves some questions.
(1) What would my life look like if I accepted Jesus’ definition of greatness?
(2) How would living in this kind of vulnerability, dependence, and humility necessitate changes in my behavior?
(3) How can I best reflect dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency in my daily behavior?
(4) Are there any practices that I can adopt to create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can produce Jesus’ definition of greatness in me?
The Little Ones
Even though the previous verses feature a child, the mention of “little ones” in the next section is not necessarily a reference to children. “Little ones” is one of Jesus’ favorite descriptions of someone who follows him as a disciple.
Notice the importance Jesus places on our words and deeds as they apply to the “little ones.”
“If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 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.
“Woe to the world because of things that cause sin! Such things are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” (Matthew 18.6-8)
Several years ago, the famous psychiatrist Scott Peck wrote a book on evil. He remarked that the worst evil was one that was committed while someone claimed to be righteous.
When the clergy and followers of Jesus abuse or harm those under their care, they fit Peck’s picture of evil.
Jesus knows the great harm that is caused by so-called righteous people who fail to live up to the standards they espouse. He states that it is better for someone to die a horrible death than to be responsible for the downfall of one of his little ones.
When I first started preaching, I remember being seriously challenged by James: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will face stricter judgment” (James 3.1).
A popular media term is “influencer.” Anyone in a leadership position in God’s kingdom is an “influencer.” Our behavior will influence people toward God or away from him.
Jesus said, “For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?” (Mark 8.36).
If our words and actions cause someone to forfeit their eternal life with the Savior, we have caused immeasurable harm and we will face strict judgment.
May we always be on our best behavior when we encounter Jesus’ beloved “little ones.”
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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