Day One Matthew 18:1-4
“About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ 2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’” – Matthew 18:1-4 (NLT)
Discover
1. What are the disciples concerned with in their question to Jesus?
2. What stands out to you about how Jesus responds?
3. Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Respond
As Jesus’ disciples sized each other up, they wanted to know who would be promoted when Jesus established what they thought would be a physical kingdom. But Jesus tells them they’ve got it all wrong, that the greatest in His Kingdom would be like a child – dependent, inferior, and totally unconcerned about social status. Have you bought into any of the lies pride promises that it can never deliver? Pride promises to make you bigger, to give you influence, and that you don’t need God when you desperately do. Spend some time now considering which lie you may hear the most and then approach God just as if you were a child. Confess those things to Him and ask Him to build in you the humility He desires.
For Further Reading: Want Real Self Help? Cultivate Humility
For Families with Kids at Home
Take a few moments today to observe your kids and how they depend on you as a parent. God calls all of us to depend on Him in the same way, not to pretend like we can do it all ourselves. Take time to read Matthew 18:1-4 with your kids and explain that we never outgrow our need for God!
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.