Like a Child. Matthew 18:1-6

I love the way Jesus responds to his disciples questions. They're asking who is the greatest thinking that it must be one of them. Jesus takes the opportunity to expose an essential element of Christianity - humility. He says if you want to be considered great you have to be like a child.

It's important to recognize what quality Jesus wants them to take on in reference to being like a child. He's not saying they have to be innocent like a child. He's saying they have to be humble like a child. A child in the ancient world had no more rights than a slave. They were low class citizens. They didn't know much, they could do much and they certainly weren't entitled to anything. Jesus calls for this type of attitude about oneself in order to follow him.

Matthew 18:1-6
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Questions
1. Why do you think there is such a stern warning about leading children astray?
2. Is there an area in your life you're prideful about?
3. What will stick with you about this passage?