In the last devotional, I shared that Jesus’ disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom. Surprisingly, Jesus did not mention the disciples neither did he include the religious people on His list. Jesus spoke about children; a group that didn’t have a voice in that culture.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “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. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6
The children have certain qualities that give us a clue as to what God values. Jesus stated that those who humble themselves as a child are greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Children have no problem making themselves vulnerable or ask for help.
They generally understand that they are dependent on others for their needs, and they are content with that condition.
Children live their lives in the moment rather than thinking that their lives have to have a purpose or every moment has to count.
Children have a sense of wonder about the world around them.
Children don’t get offended easily.
They can easily forgive and forget.
It is easier for Children to believe and accept Jesus than it is for adults.
We gradually lose our childlike qualities, but Jesus told His disciples to be converted and become like a child. This list and the one from the last devotional are areas that we can pray about. We can ask Him to show us where we need to become more childlike.
Jesus’ standard of greatness is the complete opposite of the world!
