The Greatest in the Kingdom

March 12, 2023 Background Scripture: Matthew 18:1 - 9; Mark 10:15 Lesson Passage: Matthew 18:1 - 9 We use words for different purposes. Context is important to understanding words that are written or spoken. Without context, words can be interpreted in ways not intended by the source. Philosophers will sometimes make isolated statements that cause one to reflect. Teachers, on the other hand, communicate ideas and thoughts that relate to a subject under discussion. Jesus was not a philosopher; Jesus was a teacher. When discussing comments made by Jesus, context is of the utmost importance. The gospel accounts of Mark and Luke provide a context for today's scripture that is more detailed than Matthew's account. In those accounts the disciples were debating among themselves about their relative ranking within the kingdom of Heaven. They argued as to which one of them would be greater than the others. Because Jesus observed their debate, it would have been reasonable for them to ask Him to enlighten them as Matthew's account suggests. They were not asking a philosophical question. Jesus used a little child as the model for greatness in the kingdom. It is worth noting that Mark 10: 1 5 records the different perception the disciples had of little children versus that of Jesus. Jesus rebuked His disciples for attempting to stop little children from being brought to Him to be blessed. He followed the rebuke with a warning. Contrary to assuming little children should be prevented from seeking Jesus until they are more mature, all who enter the kingdom of God must first become as little children. Jesus treasured the submissiveness, humility, and trusting dependence of little children. These traits in children are required of all who come to God for salvation. Put another way, a childlike disposition is necessary for salvation. A saved person has become a citizen of the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus is the express image of the invisible God. That's what makes Him the greatest. Therefore, greatness in the kingdom of God is based on identity with Jesus Christ. The more one reflects the disposition and person of Jesus, the greater they are in the kingdom. Anything that is not of God will not be allowed in the kingdom. I-low far we do stray from the truth when we assume the kingdom of God is a spiritual expression of earthly kingdoms. Earthly kingdoms are ruled by people who make up their own laws to govern others. Many earthly rulers are not subject to the laws nor to those they govern. They rule with impunity. Their only natural restraint is what comes from within them. In earthly kingdoms, people vie for a higher rank among others so they can be independent of others like their leaders. God is above all, yet God rules in love unlike worldly leaders. Jesus demonstrated the love of God by dying for us; we could not live eternally otherwise. None of us are deserving of God's love. God loves because He is God. Believing in Jesus is all God asks of penitent souls desiring salvation. Accepting salvation through Jesus identifies us with Jesus. We have no glory, or shining greatness, of our own, but we share in Jesus' glow as we identify with Him. This is like the moon which generates no light, yet it can appear very bright when it reflects the light it receives from the sun. We can only reflect the shining greatness of Jesus after we are saved. To repent and receive salvation, we must be submissive, humble, and dependent on Jesus. In essence, we must become as little children, or we will not enter the kingdom of God. And being citizens of the kingdom of God makes us all great. Robert C. Hudson February 25, 2023