Scripture
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:1-5)
Observation
I love the context within these scriptures of Jesus’ word that the greatest are the ones who are humble and receptive. How did I jump that far ahead in my interpretation? The “lowly position” of a child represents that most children are in their formative years. They don’t hold high lofty positions of influence, experience, and accolades. Instead, their season of life is a season of receiving, learning, and growing. Thus, it is a season of being receptive to what their parents, elders, and those in responsibility over them speak and teach into their lives. Sure, they can misbehave and be into mischief at times. But where does that come from? What they have heard or observed. Jesus, was reminding His disciples that greatness was not in achievement of what one does, but letting God’s will and ways be done in them. Jesus was calling them to be humble lifelong learners of His will and ways with the heart and innocence but impressionable heart of a child. He even notes that the character he spoke be welcomed in His name; thus through Him.
Application
Thus, my application and takeaway is that the greatest will be the humble lifelong learner, who does not let their position, achievements or success go to their heads. But instead, that a humble heart of learning and growing in God’s word first, followed by life will result in their greatness. Why? Humility and growing in the ways of the Lord will set us on the path to be obedient to the Lord’s will, and making the righteous decision led by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the wonderful reminder of the means and path to success ... a childlike heart after your heart. I pray that I would be mindful of being a lifelong learner with a humility that comes from who you are in me, rather than what the world tries to impress upon me.
