From the desk of Pastor Ben

The Lesson of Childlike Humility

“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven.”         (Matthew 18:4)

Like all believers, the apostles needed repeated reminders of the need for humility. Here, Jesus uses a child to illustrate His lesson. The Greek word for “child” indicates a very young child, perhaps an infant or toddler. This particular child may have belonged to Peter’s family and may have already been known to Jesus. The child likely cooperated readily with Jesus’ illustration and happily went to His arms. Jesus and children got along well with one another, and this setting was a wonderful opportunity for Him to teach childlike humility for His followers.

It’s impossible to miss that Jesus’ teaching on humility was directed at His apostles — and by extension to us — because they really needed to grasp its significance. From their arguments about who was the greatest, they undoubtedly were not living by their Lord’s standard of humility. Instead, they allowed themselves to be caught up in pride and self-interest. Perhaps some who heard this teaching were not even saved yet (certainly that would include Judas Iscariot, who was ultimately lost). Others had already entered the heavenly kingdom but had allowed their humanness rather than their new natures to dictate their attitudes. This ought to remind any of us who are Christians of how often we still fall victim to the power of sin that still seeks to influence us.

Jesus’ lesson on childlike humility illustrates a crucial and far-reaching requirement for membership in the kingdom. Entrance into it demands humble, childlike faith. There is simply no other way to receive God’s saving grace.

Ask Yourself:
Jesus was a master at using simple, memorable object lessons to teach deep truths of His kingdom. What are some of the most profound insights and concepts you’ve learned, not from long, laborious study, but simply from everyday occurrences God used to catch your eye?