Matthew 18:1-9
At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, had him stand among them, and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me.
“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the open sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! It is necessary that stumbling blocks come, but woe to the person through whom they come. 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 to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into fiery hell.
The Scriptures quoted are from the NET Bible® http://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
COMMENT & QUESTIONS
Many people strive for greatness. In what ways do people today try to be ‘the greatest’?
People strive for greatness by being the loudest voice in the room, by having the most popularity, by attaining great wealth and riches, by having a greater intellect than others and by receiving recognition and prestige.
Jesus talks about the ‘little ones’ here. Who are the ‘little ones’ in our society – that is, people who are vulnerable and powerless?
The vulnerable and powerless are people who don't have much authority or influence. Jesus greatly cared for the poor and the oppressed. In the prophets, God shows us just how much He cares about the oppressed and vulnerable.
PRAYERS
Pray that we will be emptied of pride and filled with humility Pray that we will not be stumbling blocks to others