The Book of MatthewSample

I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.

(Matthew 18:3-5, The Message) 

Children were considered insignificant in the ancient world (and in some places still today) before they reached puberty and could reproduce. In chapter 18, when Jesus calls a child to Him and tells the disciples to become like that child, He was not having a Kodak moment. He wanted the disciples to understand who God can and will use: the most insignificant humans on earth—the weak, the vulnerable, and nobodies. 

Like a child, God wants us to come to Him—unassuming, ready to listen, learn, love, and be loved by Him. There is not a ladder to climb in God’s Kingdom. There is just His glory and our adoration. 

All of this is new information to the disciples. Jesus turned everything they thought they knew upside-down at this point. Be like a child. Humble yourself. Always forgive. Live to serve. Do not look for personal gain. These concepts are how God works, and they are still upside-down to the world we live in today. The parables found in this week’s reading don’t imply that we need to act childish or reject any wealth. Once again, they are focused on the heart, who we are at the core of our identities. How do we approach God? What is motivating us? Do we extend the same grace that we receive? 

This week’s reading ends in chapter 23 on a serious and powerful note when Jesus tells the parable of the tenants. Jesus is represented in this parable by the son and the stone, both rejected and then vindicated. The owner of the vineyard is God; the vineyard is Israel; the farmers are Israel’s leaders; the slaves are earlier prophets. Jesus wants the disciples to understand what is about to happen. He tries to prepare them for what God is going to do next. 

Discussion Questions for Leader

What does it mean to have childlike faith? 

What does humility look like in your life? 

How is God’s Kingdom different from our current culture?