SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. [Matthew 18:4] Who will occupy the highest positions of authority in God’s restored world order? Who will be the most important, the ones in Jesus’ inner circle? This question, as well as Peter’s question about what they will get for sacrificing so much for Jesus [Matthew 19:27], shows that their motives were very mixed. They were hoping for plum posts in the new government, or at least plum pay-offs.
This was no doubt frustrating for Jesus, reminding us of His earlier question, ‘How long must I put up with you?’ [Matthew 17:17]. But He uses their misguided question as an important teaching moment. What God considers greatness, what God values above all us is…
Humility, honesty, gentleness, mercy. The stories of this chapter reveal a person who is humble like a child, treats the ‘little people’ with respect, is honest and serious about dealing with sin (their own, not others), does not look down on the weak but strives to bless or help them, doing everything within their power to restore broken relationships (peace-makers), and forgiving others just like God has been for them.
This is what life is like in God’s kingdom, it’s what makes it a paradise. Paradise is not just great food, great scenery, and plenty of lounging time, waited on hand and foot. It is shalom (Jewish word for peace), harmony, perfect love and joy, mutual respect and kindness. Only when God’s kind of love permeates ours, and we treat people like God does, will be enter into the great life, and become great in God’s eyes.
This is so contrary to our (un)natural disposition. We have reversed God’s pattern of loving God first, then others, then ourselves. We’ve turned it into loving ourselves first, others as they benefit us, and God when it serves our needs. We have turned paradise (shalom) into the hell of this world.
One last thought. Jesus tells us to treat those who will not be reconciled ‘as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector’. This does not mean treat them as the world treats them, but treat them as Jesus treats them. How did Jesus treat them? This is our standard, the path to true greatness in God’s eyes.
PRAYER:
Lord, show me how to descend into Your kind of greatness.