“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”— Matthew 18:1
Jesus had just told His disciples that He would be betrayed, killed, then raised from the dead. They were grief stricken for a bit, but that didn’t stop them from vying for position and asking (again), who is the greatest? That subject was pretty much a constant topic of discussion and discord among the disciples.
Most of us want some recognition for our accomplishments. Who doesn’t want that extra appreciative pat on the back?
But sometimes we forget what’s really important. I imagine the disciples waiting anxiously for Jesus to name the best among them.
He immediately called a child over to Him, and as everyone gathered around He said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Well, that must have dumbfounded those disciples.
Jesus took it a step further: If you even welcome a child in My name, you welcome Me!
True greatness was personified in the little child standing in their midst.
The Bible describes and identifies God’s people with many names, but more than anything else, we are called God’s children.
Children of promise, children of the day, children of the light, beloved children, dear children…children of God.
Following the Lord is not about learning the right information, following religious rituals, or even impressing everyone with great deeds. It is about becoming a child.
We are adopted into God’s family and given the gift of a personal, intimate relationship as a child to a loving Father.
We can’t even enter the Kingdom of God unless we become as children, much less achieve any kind of greatness!
We can rejoice in the wonderful truth that we are God’s children, born again into His Kingdom and heirs of all God possesses. We can trust in God’s love and protection forever.
