Matthew 18:1-3 "At the same time came the disciples unto JESUS, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven ? And JESUS called a little child unto HIM, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven."
The Gospel, the Good News of Salvation, was wonderfully designed by GOD so that not only can a child understand it, but a child's mind receives it even more easily than the adult mind. The child's mind is not cluttered with thoughts of self-sufficiency and personal merit and is able to joyfully place dependence in JESUS.
In today's text, the disciples had been discussing who would be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (v.1). This arrogant attitude blinded the minds of these men to the true nature of the kingdom wherein the least is the greatest and little deeds bring grand rewards (Matthew 11:11; 25:40,45). JESUS ignored the disciples' question and went right to the heart of the issue of true conversion. No more important question exists than the one asked by the Philippian jailer: "What must I do to be saved ?" (Acts 16:30). Our LORD told them to listen and understand the fact that entrance into GOD's kingdom requires conversion. Conversion is a willful turn from our sinfully lost condition unto JESUS CHRIST. Then JESUS added that this turn needed to be in the spirit of a "little child" (v.2). One must shed any perceived merit and simply trust in CHRIST's provision for us.
Many have attempted to clutter the simple Gospel passages with the baggage of various theological systems, but asking a child to plainly explain these Scripture texts often provides refreshing clarity. The Gospel, though its depths and heights will fascinate us throughout eternity, is also wonderfully simple. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life" - John 3:16 can be grasped by the reader of any age ! JMC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
