Matthew the apostle wrote how, “the disciples” came “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 you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven”, and in chapter eighteen and verse four of his book, Matthew shares how Jesus declared who is “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” where we read:
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child,
the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
The verse reads, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, ...”. Matthew began with the word, “whosoever” or “whatever person whether male or female” “therefore” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so”“shall humble himself” or “will reduce themselves to meaner circumstances and assign themselves to a lower rank or place” “as this little child” which means “like the small child Jesus stood before His disciples”. Matthew shared how Jesus presented to His disciples the condition of “childlike humility”.
The verse continues, “... the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”. Matthew added the words, “the same” or “the one who is humble and innocent like a child” “is greatest” which means “is the larger, elder and stronger” “in the kingdom” or “royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “of heaven” which means “belonging to the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. Matthew shared how Jesus proclaimed the person who is “humble and innocent like a child” to be the “strongest and elder” in Heaven's Kingdom.
When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see the importance of becoming “humble” “like children” in God's Heavenly Kingdom. Trusting, believing and “reducing oneself to a lower rank or place” speaks volumes to God, and He honors that sort of innocence and belief with the title of “greatest” in His Kingdom. This is quite opposite of the “earthly” life's attempt to be and call themselves “the greatest”. Whether it is the “greatest team, cook, financial expert, looking, etc.” people are often attempting to gain position and “greatness” among mankind. God's way is different, and Jesus explained that failure to humble oneself and believe like a small child shall prevent entry into His Kingdom. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit reveal the truth of these words to all who read them.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus says, “whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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