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Scripture: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; 10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Meditation: Are you surprised to see the disciples
discussing with Jesus who is the greatest? Don't we do the same
thing? The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in
us. Who doesn't cherish the ambition to be "somebody" whom others
admire rather than a "nobody"? Even the Psalms speak about the
glory God has destined for us. You have made them a little
lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor (Psalm
8:5).
Whose glory do you seek?
Jesus made a dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself
to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of
God. What can a little child possibly teach us about greatness?
Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or
privileges of their own. They were socially at the "bottom of the
rung" and at the service of their parents, much like the household
staff and domestic servants. What is the significance of Jesus'
gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the presence of his
disciples by placing the child in a privileged position of honor
at his right side. It is customary, even today, to seat the guest
of honor at the right side of the host.
The lowly of heart empty themselves of pride
Who is the greatest in God's kingdom? The one who is humble and
lowly of heart - who instead of asserting their rights willingly
empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the
lowly position of a servant and child before God. The simple of
heart know that they belong to God - he is their father, teacher,
and provider - the one who shows them the way of peace, joy, and
life everlasting. They are content to recognize their total
dependence on God who is the source of all goodness and every good
gift.
Jesus restores us to the people he has made holy
What does Jesus' story about a lost sheep tell us about God and
his kingdom? Shepherds normally counted their sheep at the end of
the day to make sure all were accounted for. Since sheep by their
very nature are very social, an isolated sheep can quickly become
bewildered and even neurotic. The shepherd's grief and anxiety is
turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the
fold. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that
sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does
not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved
and restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole
community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored
to fellowship with God (Luke 15:7). Seekers of the lost are much
needed today. Do you pray and seek after those you know who have
lost their way to God?
"Lord Jesus, teach me your way of humility and simplicity of heart that I may find perfect joy in you. May your light shine through me that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in you."
Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131
14. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all
riches.
24. Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
72. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold
and silver pieces.
103. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to
my mouth!.
111. Your testimonies are my heritage forever; yes, they are the
joy of my heart.
131. With open mouth I pant, because I long for your commandments.
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: What it
means to become a child a God, by Epiphanius the Latin (late
5th century)
Scripture quotations from
Common Bible: Revised Standard Version
of the Bible, copyright 1973, and
Ignatius Edition of the Revised Standard
Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by
the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights
reserved. Citation references for
quotes from the writings of the early
church fathers can be found here.
| The Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations is in need of on-going development to expand resources and to reach people around the world. If you would like to contribute, you can make an online donation. |