Matthew 18:1-9, Aspiring to Greatness

In coming to Matt. 18 let us lay out an outline and then make some comments.

Instructions Concerning Pride, 18:1-35.

A.Come as a Child, 18:1-4.

B.Protect the little ones, 18:5-11.

C.Seek the little ones, 18:11-14.

D.Restore the offending brother, 18:15-20.

E.Forgive the offending brother, 18:21-35.

Ch. 18 is the 4th of 5 sermons of Christ included in Matthew's gospel.  It might be called the "little child" sermon, except that one must be careful to note: it is not a sermon about or for literal children, but instead uses little children as an illustration of how believers must live in Christ's Kingdom.  In other words, it's the "as a little child" sermon.  Everything taught in this sermon involves the life of humility.

The opening four verses of the chapter are another “kingdom of heaven” issue.  The question raised by the disciples sets the stage for the chapter.  It is a question the disciples dealt with on several occasions, even at the meal the night Jesus was betrayed (Luke 22:24-27).  You may remember that also at that meal Jesus taught a powerful lesson on humility by washing the feet of His disciples (John 13).  Let us face up to this: humility is an issue for the disciples of Jesus, then and now!

That such a controversy as this could repeatedly occur shows both the humanity of the apostles, and most forcibly, that Peter was not understood by the rest of the apostles to have the primacy among them, for they obviously did not so understand our Lord’s words to Peter in Mt 16:18, 19. This search for greatness is rooted deeply in sinful humanity and, in fact, runs the world system.  Remember 1 John 2:15-17 and particularly the pride of life.  We have been told by the wise men of this world that we cannot live happy lives without good self-esteem.  And to have proper self-esteem we must see ourselves as special or unique or better than others at something, preferably something significant.

Please note the consistency of Jesus in dealing with this among the disciples.

·        In Matt. 20:20-28, on the road to Jerusalem, when there was a lot of talk about the coming kingdom of Messiah, the question came up.  Jesus’ answer was to become servants and slaves to others.

·        In Luke 22:24-27 it came up at the last supper.  Jesus’ answer was to become like Him, the One who had come, not to be served but to serve.

·        In today’s passage, Mt. 18:1-4, the argument develops after their inability to cure the boy.  Jesus’ answer is to become like a little child.

All His answers have to do with how we perceive ourselves as well as how we live our lives.  See yourself as a little child, the one who is subordinate to and dependent on adults.  Then go out and serve!  Submit yourself to others around you.

More about “little children” in our next post.  For now, let us meditate on humility.  In the following definitions from Strong think about each one.

1 to make low, bring low. 1a to level, reduce to a plain. 1b metaph. to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances. 1b1 to assign a lower rank or place to. 1b2 to abase. 1b3 to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded. 1b4 to humble or abase myself by humble living. 1c to lower, depress. 1c1 of one’s soul bring down one’s pride. 1c2 to have a modest opinion of one’s self. 1c3 to behave in an unassuming manner. 1c4 devoid of all haughtiness.

Then meditate on Paul’s prescription from Philippians 2:3-4.  It may not sound like your philosophy or psychology professors.  It is fundamental, consistent Bible truth.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.