Matthew 18
Mat 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “WHO THEN IS GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?”
HIS disciples where thinking about themselves, who among them shall be the greatest? Luke, says it differently.
Luk 9:46-47 Then a dispute arose among them as to WHICH OF THEM WOULD BE GREATEST. (47) And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him,
JESUS responds to them.
Mat 18:2-4 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, (3) and said, “ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, UNLESS YOU ARE CONVERTED AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, YOU WILL BY NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. (4) THEREFORE WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF AS THIS LITTLE CHILD IS THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
While HIS disciples were arguing who, among them, will be the greatest in heaven; JESUS points out that humility is the key to enter heaven. They have the wrong mindset an earthly mentality that has nothing to do with heaven! Scripture says
Jas 4:10 HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE WILL LIFT YOU UP.
“Humility is not a character trait to develop, it’s the natural by-product of being with Jesus.” ~ Louie Giglio
Remember, the Creator of heaven and earth, JESUS humbled HIMSELF.
Php 2:6-8, who, BEING IN THE FORM OF GOD, DID NOT CONSIDER IT ROBBERY TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD, (7) BUT MADE HIMSELF OF NO REPUTATION, TAKING THE FORM OF A BONDSERVANT, AND COMING IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN. (8) AND BEING FOUND IN APPEARANCE AS A MAN, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF AND BECAME OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN THE DEATH OF THE CROSS.
Humility is not weakness, but inner strength and a true sign of wisdom!
Pro 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
Mat 20:25-26 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. (26) YET IT SHALL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU; BUT WHOEVER DESIRES TO BECOME GREAT AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SERVANT.
Great men in the eyes of GOD are those that serve, those that are always there to help others and put others first. JESUS healed the masses and feed them even when HE was tired.