Scriptural text: Matthew 18:1-9; Mark 10:15
Lesson Context: Jesus’ teaching and ministry prepared people to receive the kingdom (Matt. 4:17, Luke 1:8). To receive the kingdom requires people to be born again (John 3:3-8) and obey the will of God (Matt. 7:21). Today’s scripture reveals a third condition to enter God’s kingdom.
Measure of Greatness (Matt. 18:1-5):
Presumptive Question (v. 1). “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? When this question was posed to Jesus by his disciples, he had not been teaching regarding God’s kingdom. Jesus’s disciples began considering at the same time their own position in that promised kingdom. The 12 disciples had been arguing regarding who from among them would be the greatest (Luke 9:46). Their discussions and arguments regarding their position continued, even as they shared the last meal with Jesus before his arrest. If the Messiah were to rule in the same manner as an earthly ruler, then the Messiah would require positions of lesser authority in His kingdom.
Perplexing Example (vv. 2-3). “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and sat him in the midst of them.” Jesus did not answer the disciples question directly. Instead, He incorporated a visual teaching aid to make His forthcoming point more vividly.
(3a). “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted.” To be converted, Jesus was teaching of a general conversion of thought: a person’s process of changing his or her consideration on a matter.
(3b). “And become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus was not implying that His followers become like immature or naïve little children but rather have a sense of being guileless and without pretense.
Primary Position (vv. 4-5). “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” The disciples desired that Jesus would indicate who among them would be greatest. Jesus, however, responded with a teaching applicable to everyone. Whomever lived in the manner that Jesus prescribed would find prestige in the kingdom. To humble themselves and each become as a little child meant that the disciples would need to take on an attitude of trust and dependence. Children demonstrate humility by trusting others for their survival and flourishing. They are unable to do much for themselves.
One such little child does not likely refer to an actual child, but a believer who shows the required childlike innocence.
References: International Sunday School Lesson Commentary, KJV 2022-2023