Jesus had just predicted His death and resurrection to His disciples in Galilee. Departing from Galilee, they headed to Capernaum and on the way the disciples began arguing over who would be greatest in the kingdom (see Mark 9:33-34). So, Jesus sat down with them and gave them some instruction about the kingdom. Mark reveals that Jesus said “if anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Then, picking up on Matthew’s commentary we find Jesus calling a little child to Himself and declaring that they must be “converted and become as little children” in order to enter the kingdom. In verse 4, Jesus explains that humility (as a little child is dependent on his parents) is the key to the kingdom; in other words, a person must come to God with a faith that is helpless and dependent on God. Without humility, no one will enter into God’s kingdom. Jesus goes on to explain some simple principles about the relationship believers should have with other believers. Verse 5 challenges believers to receive other believers and never cause them to fall into sin as a result of our life (setting the wrong example). Jesus says that it is better to be drowned in the sea than to lead someone else into sin (18:6). The world is already seeking to lead others into sin, but the Christian should never cause someone else to stumble (18:7). Going on to use some figurative illustrations, Jesus declares that if our foot (hands or eyes) causes us to sin then we should cut it off (18:8-9). Jesus ends this particular teaching by communicating His love for all believers and His desire for all of them to follow in the ways of His Father (18:11-14). Jesus was an amazing teacher – He took the disciples from arguing about who was the greatest to discussing that humility makes a person great. Then He communicates that every person is equally important and another believer should never be setting the wrong example that may lead a fellow Christian to sin. How about you? Are you humbling yourself before God and others? Is your life leading others to follow God?
Dear God, help me to remain humble as a little child is dependent on his parents. Then, keep my life on the right path so I can set the right example for others to follow.
