As a Little Child

Background Scripture: Matthew 18
Lesson Scripture: Mathew 18:1-6, 10-14

Introduction

Nearly everyone appreciates infants and little children. Jesus, in the busiest time of his earthly ministry, took time for the little ones around him. Through them He portrayed the blessings of a simple and unpretentious approach to life. We like to appear intelligent, sophisticated, and successful. A desire to distinguish ourselves often hinders us as we seek for the real substance of Christian life. Jesus’s words resound again today: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3 [NKJV]). This study will teach us more about the simple way of holiness.

Key Verse

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men (1 Cor. 14:20).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In the preceding chapter of Matthew, we read about the transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. Following that is the account of the lunatic son being healed. These, among others, were sensational experiences and just what the disciples wished to see. Surely, they may have thought, Jesus would soon usher in his conquering kingdom. When Jesus spoke of his death at the hands of wicked men, the disciples struggled to reconcile that with what had just transpired and to grasp the possibility of their misunderstanding. They believed Jesus was all powerful; they had witnessed a miraculous display of his greatness, so why would He let people treat Him that way? Why would He let them kill Him? This totally defied their comprehension.

Jesus knew their thoughts and their lust for power and greatness. He knew that they would gladly don the honored cloak of rulership and earthly wisdom, and their pride would thrive in that setting, but they could never be humble servants of God unless they learned, through his grace, to appreciate the extraordinary experiences along with the incidental and demeaning challenges of life.

In this context, He called a small child to Himself and set him before them. Nothing is said of this particular child, nor who his parents were, or any other details. Certainly, the child must have been of a humble, unassuming nature. Perhaps he had just committed an offense, yet easily admitted his fault and asked for forgiveness. Maybe he had stopped to help a distressed playmate or shared his meager lunch. By highlighting the spirit of a child, Jesus emphasized that the path to true greatness is through humility, trust, and open-faced honesty.

Years later the apostle Paul followed by giving comparable advice to the brethren at Rome: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3).

In the key verse, the Corinthian brethren were encouraged to be men of wisdom and understanding. They were glorying in their gift of tongues, which was neither edifying nor understood by others. Paul urged them to be genuinely authentic while remaining disengaged from malice and such harmful attitudes. They were to seek the wisdom that is given by the Holy Spirit and implemented by humble obedience. This is good advice for us, too, as we are also attracted by the frivolous things of life. Seriously contemplating eternity can change our values immensely.

Practical Truths for Today

At first glance, the object lesson Jesus used seems so simple, yet the application of it is so contrary to human nature that it deserves deeper consideration.

Often we are taken up with putting on good works. As long as we do this, it will require continued self-effort. This does not deal with the root problem, which is a corrupt, pride-filled heart. Without God’s grace, the stream flowing from our hearts, which we intend to be sweet, runs bitter and brackish. We drift toward temptation, words can become edged with impatience, forgiveness becomes forced, and offenses begin to ­linger. We avoid transparency, desiring not to be recognized for what we really are; we put on a mask. Jesus called this a cloak of righteousness.

There is nothing wrong with doing our best. Jesus said, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24). But He also said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). The impossible demands of justification by works alone have never worked, nor will it ever bring liberty. The only answer is Jesus’s work of redemption in our hearts.

Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He gives his children “power . . . unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). This can only be received when we accept the fact that we are incapable of reaching God’s standards. Realizing our weakness is a very humbling experience, and we cry out to Him. Ancient Job, though he did not sin with his lips, still needed the touch of the Lord, and only when he truly humbled himself did he find it. It will be the same for every struggling soul; when we come to the cross, the designated meeting place, God is always there. His forgiveness removes our shame, covers our sins, and gives us a new vision with strength of purpose. He restores our identity as a forgiven, deeply loved child of the most high King. We are no longer “good” in our own eyes, nor are we “bad.” We are just “ourselves,” with nothing to prove or defend. Praise God for this unspeakable freedom!

Those in leadership roles face a special challenge, to lead “in honour preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10). It is quite natural to believe in our own direction and resist those who would differ from us. Saul began his kingship as a leader who was small in his own eyes, but when he became self-sufficient, he failed. Humility in leadership is a pearl of great price, and a home, congregation, or school which enjoys that blessing is indeed fortunate. One of the beautiful attributes of the Lord’s kingdom is that the greatest and the least of the brotherhood are on the same plane. Both cry out daily for the Lord to lead them. When asked to lead the nation of Israel, Solomon prayed, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. . . . Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart. . . . And the speech pleased the Lord (1 Kings 3:7, 9-10).

The ways in which a child differs from an adult are obvious, yet given the spiritual application, the difference is profound. A child’s innocence, like a clean page, will accept whatever is imprinted upon it. An older mind is like a paper that has been written on, erased and smudged, then rewritten over. We tend to qualify things by past experience rather than exercise childlike confidence and trust in God. When young and not yet hardened by guilt and sin, children are unlearned in the art of deceit. Their open expressions portray trust and faith in their parents and teachers; even when they have done wrong, their faces tell the truth. What an example to us as adults to teach and enable us to have a proper understanding of God and our fellowman. The traits of childishness (irresponsibility, selfishness, inattentiveness, etc.) should be overcome as we mature, but humble childlikeness must be preserved.

Jesus pronounced severe judgment on those who have authority over a child and abuse that position. The defenseless nature of a child places a tremendous responsibility on us. Being completely dependent forces them to accept whatever judgments we make concerning their well-being and, indeed, all areas of their life. Positive discipline is beneficial and will foster security, but thoughtless or belittling responses will confuse them. They cannot properly assimilate disparaging and negative treatment they receive from a person in authority, and they nearly always place the blame upon themselves. The need for love in children is so strong that they will do anything within their power to earn it, whether those things are right or wrong. A misuse of authority, lack of true parental love, or negligence can warp their perception of God, others, and themselves and challenge them for the rest of their lives.

Men and women who are childlike toward God will be good parents to their children. Young parents, teach your children by word and example that God is love. Praise out of love; discipline and correct them out of the same love, never shaming them. Do absolutely all you can to have open communication; speak to them but listen well to their words and their heart. Be sure they know that they can tell you everything about their lives, and try to get to the bottom of their feelings before reacting to them. The time will come when you will need that bridge. Teaching them that the way back to God and home is always open will stand them in good stead if they should ever stray.

Illustration

A father was working in the yard with a wheelbarrow and shovel when his very young son came running to help with his plastic sandbox shovel. He scooped up gravel the best he could, then asked if he could move the wheelbarrow forward. Of course, he could barely reach both handles at once, and in his best efforts he tipped it over. Without thought, the father said, “Son, don’t tip it over!” Immediately, there was a stricken look on the boy’s face, and the father knew he had not acted wisely. Although he apologized for his hasty judgment, the magic of that special time was spoiled.

These little experiences are the building blocks of relationships. They are built one at a time but torn down so suddenly. Let us determine to be more careful—to have our speech seasoned with grace, to have a spirit that is easy to be intreated, and to be of a gentle disposition. God is more interested in what we do (our actions to others) than what we actually accomplish (our projects or work).

Questions

1. When Naaman washed and was healed, his flesh was restored to that of a little child. Could this be figurative of spiritual healing in regard to this lesson?
2. If someone has suffered a confusing childhood, what is the key to learning forgiveness and trust?
3. How can we as youth help someone who doubts that God loves them or feels that they cannot be a successful Christian?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).