There’s a world of difference between child-like and childish…one will prepare you for heaven, and the other…well, not so much.
Jesus begins by instructing us to be humble in order to enter into heaven. It appears that humility is the only way in. In humility we recognize we cannot provide for ourselves, in this case, for our own salvation. Humility recognizes the need for help, and accepts it from others gladly. The humble person need not suffer from low self-esteem, and they are not necessarily meek people either. I have seen several very confident, bold successful leaders approach another person and say “I don’t know anything about how to do this, and you’re good at…how about giving a guy a quick lesson?” Humility. It leads to wisdom, because it is willing to receive instruction.
Jesus begins by instructing us to be humble in order to enter into heaven. It appears that humility is the only way in. In humility we recognize we cannot provide for ourselves, in this case, for our own salvation. Humility recognizes the need for help, and accepts it from others gladly. The humble person need not suffer from low self-esteem, and they are not necessarily meek people either. I have seen several very confident, bold successful leaders approach another person and say “I don’t know anything about how to do this, and you’re good at…how about giving a guy a quick lesson?” Humility. It leads to wisdom, because it is willing to receive instruction.
Jesus moves to temptation next, by saying that we will all be tempted. Two things here: 1. Woe to the person through whom temptation comes. 2. Aggressively remove any temptation that you have problems resisting, and fall into sin because of. Since we were just talking about how the humble person is open to learning, it stands to reason they could learn incorrect behavior if taught by a false teacher, or an unbelieving parent. Sadly, those who adopt sinful practices will have to pay for their sins, and the person who led them into sin will also pay a terrible price. Whatever you do, make sure you words and actions don’t lead others into temptation.
Verse 10 is significant because it eludes to the possibility of a “guardian” angel assigned to each child. Hmm.
In addition to that, consider this thought from Verse 14: It clearly says here that God is not willing that “even one” of these children perish. Therefore, God has not created any people who do not have the possibility of going to heaven. Every child grows up, and since God wasn’t willing for the children to miss heaven, He isn’t willing for the adults to do so either. God hasn’t changed is mind on who He loves. For God “so loved the world” that He gave His only son. I know that verse means “God loved the world in this way..”, but the point I’m making is that is was “the world”, not some of us, all of us. And Jesus himself backs this up.
Beginning in verse 15 we have the pattern for confronting a brother who sins against us. I won’t repeat it here because it’s easy enough to understand. Here’s my question: “How do we treat someone who refuses correction even from the church?” or “how do we treat pagans and tax collectors?” That’s easy, we love them. I don’t think Jesus is telling us to never associate with them again, but we shouldn’t allow them to occupy positions of influence in our circles. If they don’t serve the Lord, they shouldn’t have influence over us. That doesn’t mean we suddenly hate them and pretend they don’t exist, far from it! We continue to love them, pray for them and look forward to the day when they will be restored to fellowship.
Verses 18-20 speak of the incredible power and responsibility that we have as Christians. We should be careful what we “bind and loose” on earth, because we are doing the same in the spiritual realm. Insults and demeaning comments have just as much power as encouragement and praise.
Verse 35 sums up the parable of the unforgiving servant: “forgive others if you expect to be forgiven of your sins”
It becomes much easier to forgive (not to pretend it didn’t happen, or that it didn’t hurt us), but to forgive the offenses of others when we consider how much we have already been forgiven. Such reflection brings about great humility, which leads to godly sorrow and requests for help, to which Christ always responds…
and just like that we are right back at the beginning thought of the chapter.
Amazing.
Continually amazed by Jesus,
PR