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Matthew 18:1-5
In Matthew 18:1-5 we see two different mindsets as the disciples of Jesus come to Him to find out which one would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. However, Jesus turns the tables, as He most often does, and reveals to them that it is the likeness of a little child that is the example for the disciples to follow. Jesus states in Matthew 18:3-4 (NKJV), “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.”
This is an example of one who relies on another for survival and existence.
This is an example of letting go of oneself and putting on a new life in Christ Jesus.
To become like a little child – in Christ Jesus is to put the sinful nature and the ways of this world behind you and start over – the gift of a new life in Christ Jesus – to have a new, fresh, forgiven life. This is a life that begins, as a little child begins living and learning things that they did not know before, and then applying those things learned in their lives as they grow and develop in their life – in Christ. There is an innocence of a lack of knowledge in a little child that is covered and protected by Christ Jesus; as we put out faith in Jesus, His blood that was shed for us on the cross covers all sin and gives an opening to a new beginning – in Christ! To be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is to learn humility, obedience, and dependence on and in Christ Jesus.
Dear LORD,
As adults, we can see that on our own we have gotten life wrong. We can see that we have been mistaken in our own desires and thoughts of how we should live. But You allow us to see this so that we can come to the point of realization and understanding that we need a new start on life – we need to be forgiven of the sins that we have committed, and that Satan has convinced us that we can never overcome. But the truth is that we cannot ever overcome our sins on our own – we need the forgiveness of Jesus to cleanse us – it is only through the new beginning found in Christ Jesus that we may be set free from the chains and guilt that Satan has trapped us in. Please bring us to the cross – the cross of forgiveness in Christ Jesus that has a new beginning for all who will put our trust in Him. In Jesus name I pray, amen.