The Greatest in the Kingdom [Matthew 18, TNIV]


At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child, whom he placed among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes a humble place--becoming like this child--is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 'If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea.

Jesus gave the strangest answer to the disciples' question concerning the greatest in God's kingdom. When you think about Kingdoms and greatness, the last thing that pops into your mind is being like a child. And yet, the fact remains that greatness in God's kingdom demands humility and childlike dependency on God. By God's grace, may you change and be one of the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Beth Warlick, 10/29/2008