Faith As A Child (Matthew 18:1-14)

Verses 1-5:

The disciples asked Jesus a question. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? They were probably thinking that one of them was better than the others and were as the term says, “jockeying for position” to see who the Lord would choose as His “favorite”. Now was the time for Jesus to teach them a lesson that still stands today. He asked a little child to Him, setting the child in front of Him.The child probably climbed on Jesus’ lap as He began to speak. He told the disciples and everyone else there that they needed a change of attitude by developing a sense of trust, innocence, and love like a child has for their parents or other loved ones. They were not to be self-centered or concern themselves with any status or favoritism. The lesson should be obvious. No one can do anything on their own to gain entry into heaven (Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Verses 6-9:

Jesus has harsh words for anyone who tries to harm a child of God or thwart them from accomplishing the purpose for which God has called them. This is a blunt warning with horrendous consequences. The offender would be better off to have a millstone placed around their neck and be thrown into the sea. John MacArthur, in his commentary on this verse, gives us details about this terrifying fate:

“ A millstone was used for grinding grain. The literal meaning I’d “ the millstone of an ass”, or donkey. The stone was so large that it took a donkey to turn it. Gentiles (non-Jews, specifically the Roman authorities) used this form of execution, and therefore it was particularly repulsive to the Jews.” ( MacArthur Study Bible, p.1295; Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2019, NKJV).

Let this be a warning to those who would try and destroy a believer’s faith with false teaching or skepticism leading to non-belief. What should be our approach as believers regarding the influence of sin? We need to do whatever it takes to get rid of it and the consequences it produces. It means getting rid of things that thwart our spiritual growth and maturity. We cannot do this in our own strength. We need to rely on the guidance of the Lord to accomplish this goal. We are not going to achieve perfection in this world, but our conduct should be a reflection of the Lord Jesus and live a life that stands out from the world (1 John 2:15-17).

Verses 10-14:

Jesus’ teachings are an example of His role as “ the Good Shepherd “ (Psalm 23; John 10: 11). We are His flock. Nobody has the right nor excuse to neglect or abuse them. This is a warning to anyone with a malevolent mindset towards the people of God. The “little ones” to whom He refers are those who come Him (Matthew 11:28-30) in faith and trust. These are the poor in spirit and the humble. He will not lose any of them nor forget them. He does let us fend for ourselves (John 10:27-30; Hebrews 13:5). A” feral” or lost sheep ends up as a meal for a predator. Jesus knows you by name. You are His creation (Genesis 1:26; John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16-17). You are NOT an accident or fluke of random composition. Jesus still seeks and saves those who are lost (Luke 15:1-7; 19:10). A godly pastor will have the same attitude (1Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5: 2-4) as the Lord Jesus. He will go out and seek his people and bring them into the fellowship of the saints. We all need to bring the lost lambs into the fold. The Good Shepherd expects nothing less. If you are tired of fending for yourself and want the love and comfort of the Shepherd, then come to Him in faith. He welcomes you with open arms.

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