Daily Bible Study

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Day 40 Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the middle of them, 3 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. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6 But 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. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to the man by whom the offense comes! 8 If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than having two eyes cast into hell fire. 10 Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Everyone, from the moment they’re born, pushes to become the leader among their peers. They make their wishes known from the beginning while playing with other children by setting boundaries, letting them know what belongs to them and what they want. The same is true when they reach school age and then the workforce. They push and shove their way to the top of the ladder. When they reach the top, they hold on with all their might so that no one will topple them from their position. The disciples wanted to know who was the greatest among them. Jesus put a child in front of them and told them whoever became like a little child and humbled himself would be the greatest in heaven. He then illustrated His point with a parable about the lost sheep. The shepherd searched for the sheep until he found it. When he did, he rejoiced. Jesus told the disciples it would be the same in heaven when a sinner repented. Heaven rejoices when a lost sinner receives salvation. He also said that if anyone tried to dissuade the child from believing in Him, it would be better for that person to die. Therefore, if any part of a person tries to hinder another from salvation, it’s better for that person to cut off the offensive part and throw it into Hell. Jesus told them God doesn’t want anyone to perish. Christians are no different from the world. They seek the highest position in the church. They seek recognition among their peers. They do whatever it takes to receive the recognition they believe they deserve. You know them. You also know how they toppled from their position. God isn’t interested in how much you do for Him. His interest is in doing His will, not yours. When you humble yourself as a little child, people will see you for who you are—a Christ-follower. You set aside the things of the world and focus on what God desires for you. You don’t hinder people from knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord, you focus on His will and lead people to Him. When you do, God calls you the greatest in His kingdom and rejoices when people receive salvation. Your duty is to seek the lost and bring them to salvation. The only way to do that is to humble yourself and become like little children. Child-like faith trusts the person leading them. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He leads you, searches for you, rejoices over you and brings you back to the fold. Don’t let anyone destroy your faith. Let’s pray: Father, let me always do Your will, not mine. When I stray and attempt to do my will, bring me back to You. Give me a humble attitude, not an attitude of one who wants to be first in everything. Draw me to Yourself and show me Your glory as I praise You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 22 August 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.