March 4, 2016
BECOMING CHILDLIKE TO LEAD THE CHILDISH
Matthew 18:1–14
Kayla Willis
Central Truth
As we cut sin out of our lives, we become more dependent on Christ. We can help others do the same as we pursue weaker members of God's flock who have strayed from abundant life in Him.
Key Verse | Matthew 18:3
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
Matthew 18:1–14
Who Is the Greatest?
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, 1 18:6 Greek causes to stumble; also verses 8, 9 it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Temptations to Sin
7 Woe to the world for temptations to sin! 2 18:7 Greek stumbling blocks For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell 3 18:9 Greek Gehenna of fire.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 4 18:10 Some manuscripts add verse 11: For the Son of Man came to save the lost 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my 5 18:14 Some manuscripts your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 18:1–14
The Gospel of Matthew is jam-packed with directions for how to live as members of God’s kingdom; however, they’re very different than the world’s directions!
Just as the disciples were concerned with being the greatest, our world today concerns itself with status. Consider how success is defined in just the Dallas-Fort Worth culture. Compare that to Jesus’s claim that those who humble themselves like children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Seem odd?
I don’t have kids of my own, but I’ve been around them enough to know they don’t care about status. They’re dependent upon others, sincere of heart, teachable, and trusting. We may not have all of these qualities yet, but we have a perfect heavenly Father who uses ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary work (Galatians 4:1-6). God desires for us to turn from sin, grow in humility, and become effective members of His family (Matthew 18:3-4).
I can be a self-righteous “Queen of Comparison,” justifying my sin by comparing it to others' struggles. In reality, I flirt with the very things Christ died for. I listen when the world falsely advertises that my sin doesn’t have consequences. But sin does have consequences, and God calls us to extreme measures to remove it from our lives because He loves us (verses 8-9). For a little uplifting reading about victory over sin, check out Romans 6!
Progressing towards righteous living is important because it doesn’t solely affect us. It affects those we lead and those we influence. Jesus is clear. It's better to drown in the sea than lead a child to sin (verse 6).
Scripture is also clear that we’re accountable for how we steward the spiritual welfare of those around us (Ezekiel 34:8-10, Zechariah 11:17, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). As God sanctifies us—makes us more holy—our concerns align more with His. We pursue those who have strayed from the fellowship of believers.
So how are we doing? Are we more concerned with our own reputation and comfort than with the needs of other people? Ultimately, it is God who changes hearts. But as individuals who have been transformed by the Spirit, we are extension of God’s grace and kindness. Now go and be the Church!
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways do you struggle with child[ISH]ness? How could you make more progress towards child[LIKE]ness (verses 1-4)?
2. Do you believe your sin affects other people? How might you be tempting or neglecting those who are younger in age or faith (verses 5-7)?
3. To what lengths are you willing to go to avoid sin? Ask God to reveal threats to your spiritual growth (verses 8-9).
4. Who might God be trusting you to shepherd into a deeper relationship with Christ? Take a moment and ask God to soften your heart toward the spiritual formation and protection of weaker believers. Also, pray that the Holy Spirit would guide and empower you to make disciples as your concerns align with His (verses 10-14).