Matthew 18
Living Like a Child: Embracing Humility in God's Kingdom
In Matthew 18, Jesus confronts the disciples’ obsession with greatness and offers a powerful lesson on humility and dependence. As we dive into this chapter, we’re faced with profound questions: What does it truly mean to be great in God’s Kingdom? How can we approach life with the childlike humility Jesus speaks of, embracing dependence on our Heavenly Father? This is more than just a moral lesson—it’s an invitation to rethink our approach to life, spirituality, and relationships.
Who's Great in the Kingdom?
The disciples, much like us, were consumed by the idea of greatness. They wanted to know who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. In response, Jesus didn’t point to social status, accomplishments, or power. Instead, He took a child and said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). This was a radical redefinition of greatness.
It’s not that children are inherently more holy or perfect. It’s that they embody qualities that we often overlook: dependence, trust, and humility. Children rely completely on their parents, believing that they need them and trusting them fully. In this, they represent the kind of faith Jesus wants us to cultivate—trusting God as our Father, longing for His presence, and being vulnerable before Him.
The Danger of Spiritual Independence
As we reflect on Jesus’ call to become like children, it’s impossible not to recognize how much we value independence in our culture. We often equate success with autonomy—being able to handle everything on our own. However, the more we achieve and the more independent we become, the more we risk losing sight of our need for God.
Our worship leader, Mariano, shared a powerful insight: there are seasons in our lives where we’re like children, fully dependent on God, eagerly seeking His presence. But as we grow in our faith and experience success, we can easily shift into a "teenage" spiritual phase—where we think we know better, or we’re too busy for God. It’s a dangerous phase, and Jesus warns us to remain humble and dependent on Him, no matter our age or accomplishments.
Fighting Sin and Embracing God's Love
In the latter part of Matthew 18, Jesus emphasizes the importance of going to great lengths to avoid sin. He uses vivid imagery—saying it’s better to enter life maimed than to be cast into hell with all your limbs intact (Matthew 18:8-9). Jesus isn’t suggesting we physically harm ourselves; rather, He’s urging us to take drastic measures in avoiding sin and staying close to Him. If we’re not willing to make sacrifices in our spiritual lives, we risk wandering away from God.
But here’s the good news: God goes to great lengths to pursue us, even when we wander. In verses 10-14, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep, where the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one that’s gone astray. This isn’t just a story about sheep; it’s about you and me. We’re the ones who wander, yet God’s love never gives up on us. He will go to the ends of the earth to bring us back into His fold.
Living in the Tension
Living like a child means holding on to the tension of being humble before God while also recognizing His great love and pursuit of us. It means being honest with ourselves and others about our struggles, our need for God, and our dependence on the community He’s placed us in. When we embrace our dependence on God, we not only experience His love in deeper ways, but we also reflect that love to others. We can’t do this alone—just like a child needs their parents, we need our Heavenly Father and the body of Christ to grow and thrive.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
The chapter concludes with verses 21-35, where Jesus tells a powerful parable about what forgiveness truly looks like—and what it doesn’t. Peter asks Jesus in verse 21, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times?” Jesus’ response aligns with His broader teaching: forgiveness is not a one-time act but an ongoing, continual practice we are called to extend to others, all because of what Christ has already done for us. Yes, forgiving those who have wronged us can be incredibly painful, but living with resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness is far more destructive over time. If you’re struggling with this, remember that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. Instead, reflect on all that Jesus has forgiven you for. When we grasp the depth of God’s forgiveness toward us, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others.
