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Matthew 18:2
Verse
Context
The Greatest in the Kingdom
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”2Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Sermons
Bill McLeod
Favell Lee Mortimer
St. Augustine
Ernest O'Neill
David Wilkerson
St. John ChrysostomSummary
Commentary
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus called a little child unto him,.... One, very likely, that was in the house, and might belong to the master of it, and which was big enough to come to him at his call. Some have thought that this was Ignatius the martyr, but without any foundation. His own words, in his epistle to the church at Smyrna (y), can give no countenance to it; where he says, "for I also know, that after his resurrection he was in the flesh, and I believe that he is." The Latin version indeed renders it thus; "for I also saw him in the flesh after the resurrection, and believe that he exists." But it does not follow from hence that he must be this child, but rather the contrary; since it cannot be thought, that a child so young as this, in half a year after, had it seen Christ, when risen from the dead, could have took so much notice of him, as this version represents Ignatius to do; but it matters not who it was; Christ designed, by this emblem, to give them his sense of the question, and convey some proper instruction to the minds of his disciples: and set him in the midst of them; that everyone might see him; and upon the very sight of him, had he said no more to them, they might easily have perceived what was his opinion; that he that was but a child, the most humble, and least in his own eyes, would be the greatest: but besides setting the child in such a situation, he pointed to him, saying what follows. (y) p. 3. Ed. Voss.
Matthew 18:2
The Greatest in the Kingdom
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”2Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Mark 9:33-37. Christ Teaches Humility by the Example of a Child.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 51:17ISA 57:15MAT 18:2MAT 18:5MRK 9:33Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the private conversations of Jesus with his disciples, highlighting the depth of wisdom and patience displayed in those moments. Despite the disciples' worldly desires for greatness, Jesus patiently reproves them and teaches them about humility using a child as an example. He emphasizes the importance of being like a humble child in spirit, free from the desire for earthly distinctions, and shows affection and care for those who are contrite and penitent, likening them to children who are dear to Him.
Exposition on Psalm 47
By St. Augustine02KI 2:23PSA 46:1MAT 18:2MAT 27:33LUK 23:21ROM 11:251CO 14:20St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms of David, focusing on the significance of the sons of Korah in the titles, symbolizing a great Sacrament and urging listeners to understand themselves in the Scriptures. He draws parallels between the crucifixion of Christ at Calvary and the mocking of children towards Elisha, emphasizing the importance of not mocking the Cross of Christ. Augustine highlights the humility and wisdom found in childhood, urging believers to imitate humility and avoid foolishness. He encourages Christians to see themselves as sons of the Bridegroom, destined for crowns by Angels, and to embrace the humility of the Lord without shame.
Rediscovering Intuition
By Ernest O'Neill0PSA 14:1PRO 3:5MAT 11:25MAT 18:2ROM 1:201CO 1:20JAS 4:10Ernest O'Neill discusses the concept of foolishness in denying the existence of God, emphasizing the worldly wisdom that leads many to reject the idea of a Creator and rely solely on themselves. He explores the idea of regaining childlike faith and intuition by humbling ourselves and acknowledging the limitations of our worldly knowledge. O'Neill highlights the importance of becoming like children, trusting in a higher power, and seeking a deeper connection with the Father of the universe, as exemplified by Jesus' teachings.
Self-Sufficient People
By David Wilkerson0Dependence On GodHumilityMAT 18:2ROM 8:16David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence on God as His children, contrasting this with the self-sufficient mindset prevalent in society and even within the church. He points out that many believe they can achieve anything through their own efforts and mental strength, often neglecting the need for divine assistance. Wilkerson highlights Jesus' teaching on humility and dependency, using the example of a child to illustrate that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from recognizing our inability to function without His help. He challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with God and to embrace a childlike faith that relies on the Holy Spirit for guidance and support.
Homily 58 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 17:22MAT 18:2MAT 18:61CO 12:261TH 2:19John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of arrogance and the pursuit of worldly honors, highlighting the folly of seeking glory, wealth, and power as they lead to enslavement to passions and vices. He emphasizes the importance of humility, simplicity, and freedom of the soul, using the example of a little child as a model for true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Chrysostom warns against offending the humble ones, stating that severe punishment awaits those who harm them, and encourages a focus on virtue and genuine love for others over the pursuit of worldly success.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus called a little child unto him,.... One, very likely, that was in the house, and might belong to the master of it, and which was big enough to come to him at his call. Some have thought that this was Ignatius the martyr, but without any foundation. His own words, in his epistle to the church at Smyrna (y), can give no countenance to it; where he says, "for I also know, that after his resurrection he was in the flesh, and I believe that he is." The Latin version indeed renders it thus; "for I also saw him in the flesh after the resurrection, and believe that he exists." But it does not follow from hence that he must be this child, but rather the contrary; since it cannot be thought, that a child so young as this, in half a year after, had it seen Christ, when risen from the dead, could have took so much notice of him, as this version represents Ignatius to do; but it matters not who it was; Christ designed, by this emblem, to give them his sense of the question, and convey some proper instruction to the minds of his disciples: and set him in the midst of them; that everyone might see him; and upon the very sight of him, had he said no more to them, they might easily have perceived what was his opinion; that he that was but a child, the most humble, and least in his own eyes, would be the greatest: but besides setting the child in such a situation, he pointed to him, saying what follows. (y) p. 3. Ed. Voss.