Matthew 18:1-6

Let's take a look at these six verses from Matthew 18.

As Jesus and His disciples are traveling the disciples begin to argue (we know this from Mark 9) about who is going to be the greatest in the Kingdom.    First off, this is not that bad of a discussion to have.  I think we as Christians should shoot to be great Christians.

Jesus answers how to be great by having a child stand next to Him while He says this: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."

Children were not adored back in Jesus' day like they are now.  Children were second class citizens.  When Jesus tells us to humble ourselves like this child, He is saying this: "Strive to be second class citizens."  What does that mean?  Here's what I think it means: strive to make sure that you view others more highly than yourself and strive to see yourself as completely dependent on your Father.

Service is greatness.  The last will be first in the Kingdom.  So do things for others without seeking to be first here on earth because first on this earth is a blip in time compared to eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven.

I also love how Jesus commands us to be dependent on our Father (God) like a child is dependent on his father.  Do you remember how much you trusted in and was in wow of your father?  Do you remember saying, "Well, my dad could beat up your dad."  Our fathers were invincible in our minds.  They could do no wrong.  Unfortunately, we grow up and realize that our fathers aren't perfect, mighty or completely worthy of our trust.  I remember when I realized that my dad was actually able to lose more fights with other dads than I previously thought.  In fact, the only fight I remember my dad winning was one that shook the perception that my dad was perfect.

Good news though.  We will find as we grow that our earthy fathers are far less than perfect and all-powerful, but the more we discover about our Heavenly Father the more perfect and all-powerful we find Him to be.  So to be first in the Kingdom we need to rely on our Heavenly Father like we did in our earthly fathers in the days we would literally jump from the tops of stairs into our father's arms.

One more thing.  In verse 6 Jesus gives us a stern warning.  Verse 6- "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Jesus is serious about us living in a way that doesn't cause little children or those young in their faith to sin. Those of you that consider yourselves to be mature Christians better start acting like it or Jesus says it would be better for you to be drowned.

So strive for greatness in the Kingdom by submitting to others and God today.