Matthew 18:1-6

The Disciples Question The 12 apostles had been arguing with each other about who was the greatest!!! (SLIDE) Matthew 18:1-6

“And they came to Capernaum “And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.” Mark 9:33-34

“An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.” They were so eager to actually know the answer they could help but eventually ask Jesus “Who is the greatest?” (SLIDE) Luke 9:46

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” Matthew 18:1

Jesus’ response Jesus’ response is, naturally, perfect. He explains to them the three things necessary to be “great in the kingdom of heaven” according to the God of heaven. The first thing one must be to be great in the kingdom is to “enter the kingdom.” (SLIDE) Matthew 18:1-6

“And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2-3

“but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 19:14

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” The first thing one must do is “enter” the kingdom of God!!! The second thing one must do, to be great in the kingdom of heaven according to God is… Be humble like even a child. (SLIDE) Colossians 1:13

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” He explained this truth a bit more as we see in Mark’s account. (SLIDE) Matthew 18:4

“And he sat down and called the twelve “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, ‘If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.’” Children serve at their parents behest. That doesn’t mean they are less important than any other in the family it is simply the way it is as they are to be “obedient” to their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4). The Bible even likens children to that of slaves (Galatians 4:1). All of this is to point to the humble servant one is to be in the kingdom of heaven. (SLIDE) Mark 9:35

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” If one wants to be considered great in the kingdom of heaven according to God’s standards they must not only… “First enter into the kingdom of God.” “Then become humble servants of God almighty” But they must also “receive God’s children and not cause them to stumble in sin.” (SLIDE) 1 Peter 5:6

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” This ties in very closely with being a humble servant of God’s. However in this case we see it goes further than just serving “God alone” but also serving His creation. (SLIDE) Matthew 18:5-6

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Earlier in the book of Matthew, chapter 10, Jesus explained this idea. (SLIDE) Mark 9:37

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” James, in challenging, the brethren on this issue shows the ignorance there is in those that think they can be faithful without “receiving their brethren.” (SLIDE) Matthew 10:42

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Though we are to be hospital and serve our brethren we must also understand that just because someone is our brother in Christ that doesn’t mean we are always to “serve them.” What do I mean by this? If a brother or sister is not adhering to sound doctrine we are not to show even hospitality to them i.e. receive them. (SLIDE) James 2:14-17

“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” It’s a sobering thought to know that if we “receive one” that does not “abide in the teachings/doctrines of Christ” we are “partakers in their wicked works.” This has principle in things like mission works, traveling preachers, etc… 2 John 9-11

Matthew 18:1-6

God’s Plan of Salvation Study God’s Word Have Faith In Jesus Repent/Turn To God Confess Jesus As Lord Obey The Gospel Live A Faithful Life Romans 10:17 Hebrews 11:6 Acts 17:30 Matthew 10:32 Romans 6:3-5 1 John 1:7