January 16, 2005 - Matthew 18:1-5
Open It
Who is the greatest person you know?
Why is our culture so competitive-obsessed with the best and the greatest?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
What do you miss most about being a little kid?
What advice would you give to a thousand third graders?
Explore It
What question did the disciples ask Jesus? (18:1)
What did Christ do to illustrate His answer to the disciples' question? (18:2)
What did Jesus say one had to be like in order to enter the kingdom of heaven? (18:3)
How did Jesus finally answer the question that had been put to Him? (18:4)
What quality makes for true greatness? (18:4)
Get It
What is it about children that Christ wants us to emulate?
What charming qualities do children possess?
How does age and maturity cause us to lose our innocence and sense of humility?
In what ways are you still like a child (in a good sense)?
What prevents us from being more childlike in our faith?
In what ways can you be more childlike?
Apply It
What can you do today to humble yourself?
To what children in your life will you demonstrate the love and acceptance of Christ this week?
Notes
Matthew 18:1-4: From Mark's Gospel we learn that Jesus precipitated this conversation by asking the disciples what they had been discussing among themselves earlier (Mark 9:33-34).
Matthew 18:1-4: Jesus used a child to help his self-centered disciples get the point. We are not to be childish (like the disciples, arguing over petty issues), but rather childlike, with humble and sincere hearts. Are you being childlike or childish?
Matthew 18:3-4: The disciples had become so preoccupied with the organization of Jesus' earthly kingdom that they had lost sight of its divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, they sought positions of advantage. It is easy to lose our eternal perspective and compete for promotions or status in the church. It is difficult to identify with "children"-weak and dependent people with no status or influence.