Matthew 18:1-6 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. -Bible
18:1-6 Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Our Lord set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter his kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all. Let us daily study this subject, and examine our own spirits.
Source(s):
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1706
Lately in my Bible study I have been coming across passages that scholars are splitting hairs about and making things muddy and unclear for believers. So because we have a relationship with a living God I went to prayer about this subject. Wow, I kept coming back to this verse. Sometimes it is hard to swallow all of it when you feel like you should always have an intellect answer when someone questions a passage's validity. But we live by faith and sometimes... many times faith is believing without seeing! Amen
I concur! Life in Christ is one of Simplicity. I often think of the early Christians. They had a trusting relationship with their Saviour, one built on faith, not "scholarship". Most didn't even have the Scriptures, certainly no commentaries,concordances or word study guides. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful for these tools BUT they cannot replace a simple loving relationship with our Lord. He says"my sheep will know My voice..." that's what I want to be seeking.
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