I’ve been meditating a bit on this passage. It seems to have hit me for the first time, the beauty of it.

Matthew 18:1-6. The disciples come to Jesus with an interesting question, which I am sure all of us have asked at one time in our walk: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Translated: “Where is our place in your Kingdom? Where is our glory and who among us will receive the most glory? Who of us has the most to offer you, Jesus?”

They greatly misunderstood things, as do we. Jesus patiently replied: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” You see, it is not about what you have to offer Jesus, it is about what he has offered you. It is not about what talents or status or fame you bring to the table, it is about his fame and his glory and him being the giver of every good and perfect gift. (This also reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1.) What we have is not our own. EVERY good thing we can claim has come from him (James 1).

A child is completely dependent on his or her parent. A child is cared for, provided for, disciplined by his or her parent. It would be foolish for a young boy to claim ownership of the house in which he lives as though he worked to purchase this home. The boy has done nothing. His earthly father has worked to provide a home for him.

In the most ultimate sense of all, our own salvation could not be attained by our efforts. They were and are futile. No one seeks for God. There is no fear of God before our eyes (Romans 3). Jesus fixed our salvation. He made us righteous. He took our place. His command to us in light of all of this:

Turn (repent) and humble yourself before God. You have nothing to offer me. I offered you everything. I gave my life for you. You live because of me. Humble yourself. BECOME LIKE A CHILD. This is the kingdom of heaven. Beautifully simple.

Working backward with you,

Cam

Tags: 1 Corinthians, Child, James, Jesus, Kingdom of Heaven, Matthew, Romans