Matthew 18 - the little ones

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, (Matthew 18:2)

Ourselves as the little children

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. (Matthew 18:3)

Whenever I come across this verse, I always think that it teaches us to have child-like faith, for without it, we can never enter the kingdom of God. However, what is child-like faith? Just like a young child would not question his mother’s instructions, does child-like faith simply mean to accept whatever God says without questioning?

Does God need me to hop around the flowers, chase after the butterflies, or sing “Jesus loves me; this I know” so that I can skip my way into heaven?

As I read this chapter today, I realised that Jesus was not really talking about “child-like faith”; He was talking about humility.

Jesus’ disciples had come to ask who is the greatest and Jesus used a little child to warn them that their pride could cause their fall!

As one grows and matures with age, or as one gain more experience in a particular domain, it is easy for pride to develop too. Afterall, we have not gone through so much for nothing! Surely, I have had gained something which I can share with those who do not have?

How often have we looked at a younger person and think, “You don’t know about this, because you have never gone through this”? Or have we found ourselves nodding profusely at a certain topic when someone else is talking about it, or perhaps even trying to find ways to interrupt, just to show that we know too? Sometimes, it seems like we are so afraid that people do not know that we know (Yes, I am speaking for myself).

I believe that this is quite normal… because as we grow, surely the more we know. Jesus’ disciples have been following Jesus around for some time; they must have felt that they have known quite a bit! And it’s true, we do know quite a bit! It is a natural progression. Jesus acknowledged that but reminded us to also “turn back”..

and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3 ESV)

It’s like God knows that it’s only right for us to continue to grow, mature, and develop our skills and experience, however, it is essential that we remember to “turn” and become like little children.

How?

With a child’s never-saturated mind, always thirsting for more knowledge and understanding. They are willing to listen; and able to absorb.

In one word?

Humility.

Often, as we become more senior, more experienced, more knowledgeable, we get the pressure to perform as well, or at least, show others that we are that good. I have been getting this pressure lately because of a change of job which requires me to probably “know more”. And sometimes, in an attempt to show that I can perform up to the standard required of me, I think I forget what is ‘humility.’

I believe Jesus wanted to remind me that, as I continue to grow and progress in my domain, I must also “turn” and be humble like little children. Perhaps only then can we continue to grow, heavenward.

Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)

Others as the little ones

On the other hand, while we are called to be humble, what are our attitudes towards those who are in humbled positions?

Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (Matthew 18:5)

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, … (Matthew 18:10)

Who are these ‘little ones’?

I often heard of these ‘little ones’ as referring to those who are spiritually weaker or immature.

However, reading from the context of today’s chapter, could they also be the ones who are easily and often looked down upon by others because they cannot defend themselves or have no authority? Who tend to be dismissed and despised?

Perhaps they are the poor and orphaned. Perhaps they are the stricken with disease. Or perhaps they are the ‘naughty’ kids running around in church whom nobody takes their words seriously, or the overly shy teenage boy standing in the corner thinking that no one would notice him, or the old uncle who looks funny and talks funny?

Anyone who is in a humbled position. Are we able to receive them in Jesus’ name?

Are they really so lowly, insignificant?

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14)

- God cares about their souls!

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

- Even they have angels too!

I shall not talk about doctrine regarding angels, but the fact that they have angels in heaven tells us that they too are significant in the eyes of God, just as you and I are. To the extent that the man would leave his ninety-nine sheep behind to seek the lost one (Matthew 18:12-13)!

And we should not only limit our perspective to only within the church. How about those outside church? The sick, the homeless, the hungry, the troubled, the mentally-challenged? Do you not think that they too have angels in heaven before God?

Something for us to consider, have we fallen into the trap of easily dismissing someone based on certain criteria? Have we honestly given each individual a chance to be known? Do we really treat everyone like they too have angels in heaven?