AUG 9

Matthew 18:1-6
Memorise Mark 10:15
“Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein”

Matthew 18:1-6 describes Jesus teaching His disciples an important lesson about the Christian’s spiritual attitude. The disciples were more than just expressing mere interest in who would be considered more important than others. They were competing or vying for the position of being ‘greatest in the kingdom of heaven’! It is here that Jesus then summoned a little child to illustrate His point to the disciples.

The disciples thought that those who were more mature or capable would be considered more important in heaven. However, Jesus explained that it is wrong to serve God for selfish and vain objectives. What really mattered to Jesus was that they laboured for God with the right intention and that they conducted themselves in a humble and meek manner. They were to always have a teachable attitude and not assume that they could ever be mature enough to have no further need of improving themselves and growing spiritually. Children are teachable because they do not know much and need guidance from others, and they know it. Indeed, it pleases Jesus that those who are spiritually immature receive the guidance they need to grow in the faith. However, Jesus issues a stern warning to those who intentionally mislead or stumble those who are vulnerable.

To proudly consider oneself to be a “mature” believer or to be “strong in the faith” is actually a sign of immaturity. Sometimes, we get bored with hearing the same fundamentals being preached over and over again. However, just like a good athlete always ensures that he does his warm-up and routine physical drills during every practice session and before every competition to perform well, so must believers always have the basics of Jesus’ teachings reinforced to them time and again. Far from looking down on the young, weak and feeble, Jesus says we ought to not only emulate their attitude of humility and teachability but also to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought: Being the “least” in heaven is still infinitely better than being the “greatest” in hell.
Prayer: O Lord, instill in me a teachable, humble and submissive spirit that my spiritual growth shall never be hindered.