God's Mission
Matthew 18:1-9
The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Causing to Stumble
6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow...
~ Slow Fade, Casting Crowns (The Altar and the Door, 2007)
Pondering Point
The Borrowing from the children’s song O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See, these lyrics from the Song Slow Fade portray the damage that occurs not just to the one sinning, but to the ones watching also – particularly little ones. Accordingly, we hear Jesus say:
Matthew 18:6
If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18:1-9 records a 2nd time of Jesus sharing stark “gouging out” language about handling our sinfulness (with 5:29). This 2nd account comes on the heels of Jesus addressing His disciples after they’ve been arguing over who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Pulling a child into their midst, He tells them that whoever humbles himself like that little child is the greatest in the kingdom.
Jesus called for (1) change, (2) humility, and (3) aggressive confrontation of our own sin.
Prayer
Your thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes affect not just you, but those around you – including little children and new believers on whom you can have a great influence. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead the way in each of these areas: needed change, humility, and aggressive confrontation of your sin.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:161-168 21st letter: Shin (ש)
- Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word. - I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil. - I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law. - Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws. - Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble. - I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands. - I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly. - I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…
The Promise
Philippians 4:7
…and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Pondering Point
Great spoil (Psalm 119:162) is the reward of a well-fought victory: "To the victor goes the spoils". Continuing in God’s Word brings such victories and the ensuing spoils.