The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 18 Part 3 The Continuum Of Spiritual Growth
Our pride must give way to a child like faith and dependency upon God. Matthew 18:4-6 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Jesus had a little child stand in their midst to teach His disciples about meekness, dependency on the Father, true humility and simple faith required for entrance into His kingdom. While using a little child to illustrate His point, Jesus turned from dealing with the disciple's pride and argumentative spirit, to their future ministry. Jesus was preparing them for their future ministry as His apostles, through whom the gospel would go forth beginning at Jerusalem. They would encounter people who reject their...