Matthew 18:1-14
Today’s Passage: Matthew 18:1-14
I believe the primary lens in which to view Matthew 18 is through the lens of humility. The chapter opens up with the disciples debating over who is the best. They ask a question of Jesus that takes us aback but when we view our heart we realize that we often have the same heart. They ask, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (v.1) Ultimately Jesus responds to them and says whoever clothes themselves in humility is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (v.4). This is the opposite of what the world tells us. The world tells us to:
Jesus tells us to:
As we study we see humility all over this text...
1) HUMILITY THROUGH HOLINESS (V.7-9)
2) HUMILITY THROUGH PURSUIT (V.10-14)
3) HUMILITY THROUGH CONFLICT (V.15-20)
4) HUMILITY THROUGH FORGIVENESS (V.21-35)
Some of these we will get into tomorrow but the first two are in our text today. What Jesus shows us is that when we are humble we will pursue holiness at all costs. That we will understand the need and importance and take radical measures.
We will also have a heart for people and pursue them when they run. We need a softer heart towards others. Too often we say “Well that is what they get... or... they will never learn.” Where would we be if no one pursued us? But it takes humility.
I think a question for us to wrestle with today... “Why do our hearts search after greatness when we already have a relationship with Greatness (Jesus Christ)?”
Written By: Nick Parsons
I believe the primary lens in which to view Matthew 18 is through the lens of humility. The chapter opens up with the disciples debating over who is the best. They ask a question of Jesus that takes us aback but when we view our heart we realize that we often have the same heart. They ask, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (v.1) Ultimately Jesus responds to them and says whoever clothes themselves in humility is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (v.4). This is the opposite of what the world tells us. The world tells us to:
- Fight for your name.
- Fight for your rights.
- Fight for your status.
Jesus tells us to:
- Surrender to His name.
- Surrender your rights.
- Surrender your right to status.
As we study we see humility all over this text...
1) HUMILITY THROUGH HOLINESS (V.7-9)
2) HUMILITY THROUGH PURSUIT (V.10-14)
3) HUMILITY THROUGH CONFLICT (V.15-20)
4) HUMILITY THROUGH FORGIVENESS (V.21-35)
Some of these we will get into tomorrow but the first two are in our text today. What Jesus shows us is that when we are humble we will pursue holiness at all costs. That we will understand the need and importance and take radical measures.
We will also have a heart for people and pursue them when they run. We need a softer heart towards others. Too often we say “Well that is what they get... or... they will never learn.” Where would we be if no one pursued us? But it takes humility.
I think a question for us to wrestle with today... “Why do our hearts search after greatness when we already have a relationship with Greatness (Jesus Christ)?”
Written By: Nick Parsons
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