Matthew 18:1-4
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 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. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”
When it came time to impress upon His disciples hearts an eternal truth of conversion, Jesus was careful not to let one teachable moment slip away. By beckoning a nearby child to Himself, Jesus set in motion a living parable right before the eyes of those twelve men.
Look closely and you’ll notice that the child came at once. Was it Jesus’s smiling face as He kindly bid the little one to come? We cannot know for sure. However, the fact that the child came at Jesus’ first call and was willing to be placed amidst the crowd makes it certain that Jesus’ gentle, approachable way influenced His new little friend. What a lesson for the rough, self-important men who asked, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
In the child’s eyes, Jesus was all important and would have impressed upon the disciples that life goes much easier when Jesus fills their field of view. Those plump little fingers were a reminder that the Lord holds their lives in His hand. And because of his nearness to Jesus, this innocent looked straight into the face of God, where love, joy, peace, and yes, even childlike laughter reign. The twelve surrounded the two to learn what man has difficulty grasping—entrance into the kingdom is as simple as being a child.
Please take time to get small again. Listen to the voice of Jesus calling you to Himself. Approach Him in childlike wonder, and there you will find your soul’s satisfaction.
Awaiting His Return,
– Pastor Jack
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