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Matthew 18:3
Verse
Context
The Greatest in the Kingdom
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.4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And said, verily I say unto you,.... You may take it for a certain truth, and what may be depended upon, that except ye be converted or turned; from that gross notion of a temporal kingdom, and of enjoying great grandeur, and outward felicity in this world; and from all your vain views of honour, wealth, and riches, and become as little children: the Arabic renders it, "as this child"; that is, unless ye learn to entertain an humble, and modest opinion of yourselves, are not envious at one another, and drop all contentions about primacy and pre-eminence, and all your ambitious views of one being greater than another, in a vainly expected temporal kingdom; things which are not to be found in little children, though not free from sin in other respects, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven: ye shall be so far from being one greater than another in it, that you shall not enter into it at all; meaning his visible, spiritual kingdom, which should take place, and appear after his resurrection, upon his ascension to heaven, and pouring forth of the Spirit: and it is to be observed, that the apostles carried these carnal views, contentions, and sentiments, till that time, and then were turned from them, and dropped them; for, upon the extraordinary effusion of the Holy Spirit, they were cleared of these worldly principles, and understood the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom; which they then entered into, and took their place in, and filled it up with great success, without envying one another; having received the same commission from their Lord, and Master: so that these words are a sort of prophecy of what should be, as well as designed as a rebuke to them for their present ambition and contentions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:3 Like little children means to be humble (18:4). The disciples had been intent on status and ambition.
Matthew 18:3
The Greatest in the Kingdom
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.4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Trusting God Again Like a Child
By Francis Chan7.3K1:12:55Strength in LeadershipChildlike FaithFaith1SA 14:61SA 30:6PSA 46:1ISA 40:31MAT 18:3MRK 10:15PHP 4:13HEB 11:1JAS 1:51PE 5:7Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He reflects on the challenges faced by pastors today, including criticism and the pressure to perform, while encouraging them to strengthen themselves in the Lord as David did. Chan shares personal experiences of prayer and reliance on God, illustrating how faith can lead to miraculous outcomes. He calls for a return to the simplicity of faith, where believers can experience God's power and presence in their lives. Ultimately, he reminds the audience that true ministry is about loving others and being filled with God's Spirit to serve effectively.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1
By Richard Wurmbrand5.6K09:46PSA 127:3PRO 18:21ECC 4:2MAT 18:3MRK 12:29JHN 1:1EPH 4:29HEB 4:12JAS 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept of innocence and the eternal destiny of unborn children, shedding light on the significance of love and understanding in relationships. The speaker also touches on the Hebrew language's unique perspective on faith and the real essence of God's word, encouraging a deeper spiritual enrichment.
"Ye Shall Be as gods." That Was Not Christ’s Ambition
By Hans R. Waldvogel5.1K23:43Humbling YourselfISA 6:5MAT 16:24MAT 18:3ROM 12:21CO 11:28PHP 2:8JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God. They share a story about a woman who found joy in doing the dishes because she saw it as an opportunity to serve God. The speaker also mentions the deceitfulness of the human heart and the need for transformation through the renewing of the mind. They encourage listeners to seek God's will and to have faith and love in their approach to Him. The sermon concludes with a reference to a biblical passage about finding the way in the midst of challenges.
Americas Only Hope
By Keith Daniel5.0K1:19:36Revival Praying2CH 7:14MAT 18:3JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ACT 3:19ACT 17:301PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep concern and sorrow for the state of the country and the erosion of freedom of speech. He recounts a powerful experience where he witnessed a building burning down after praying for it to happen. The preacher also shares his burden for the land and his own family, acknowledging the absence of a father figure in their lives. He describes a disturbing scene in a large church where evil music was playing and people were dancing, prompting him to pray for God to intervene. The sermon emphasizes the need for self-respect and the consequences of disregarding it.
Childlike Faith (4 of 4)
By Paul Washer5.0K1:09:19FaithGEN 17:8MAT 6:33MAT 18:3JHN 3:16EPH 3:20HEB 11:13In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of facing disruptions while preaching. He talks about being tested by a group of people and feeling uncertain about how to handle the situation. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of following God's calling and trusting that He will provide the means to fulfill it. The preacher also highlights the compassionate nature of Jesus, who works in gentle and transformative ways, never breaking a bruised cane or extinguishing a smoking wick.
Moody 100th Anniversary 1986 the Wonder of Worship
By Warren Wiersbe4.4K57:02MAT 7:26MAT 18:3REV 4:11REV 5:12REV 11:15REV 19:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wonder and celebration in worship. He highlights how we have lost our sense of wonder and take things for granted, including God's creation and the church. The preacher encourages us to become like little children, who are fascinated by the smallest things and ask questions. He also mentions the Apostle Paul's recognition of the wonder of God's sovereignty and the beauty of creation. Overall, the sermon calls for a renewed sense of wonder and celebration in our worship.
Marks of a True Conversion (Become as Little Children to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven)
By George Whitefield3.6K53:44Audio BooksMAT 18:3MRK 9:43JHN 13:34ROM 14:191CO 6:9JAS 4:81JN 1:9In this sermon by George Whitfield, he begins by urging the congregation to examine their own souls and determine if they have truly been converted. He emphasizes the urgency of this self-reflection, as death can come unexpectedly and many may be carried into an unalterable state. Whitfield encourages the listeners to pray for God to search and try their hearts, and to reveal whether they are truly converted or not. He concludes by offering Jesus as the way of escape and the one who can convert them, urging them to come to Christ and be part of his heavenly kingdom.
Bartimaeus and the Blinded Generation
By Winkie Pratney3.3K57:32MAT 7:3MAT 12:37MAT 18:3ACT 2:17ACT 2:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of television on children and their ability to adapt quickly to change. He explains that television has taught children to shift between different scenes and emotions without feeling overwhelmed. The speaker also mentions how television has influenced young people's desire for in-depth experiences and their ability to quickly adapt to new situations. He concludes by sharing a humorous anecdote about a train ride and emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural influences on children in order to effectively communicate the message of the Bible.
Question and Answer - Part 3 (W/ Paul Washer)
By Voddie Baucham2.7K11:46Genuine SalvationNurturing Faith in ChildrenPRO 22:6MAT 18:3JHN 3:3ACT 16:31ROM 10:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:82TI 3:151PE 2:21JN 5:13Voddie Baucham, in his sermon with Paul Washer, discusses the nature of genuine salvation, particularly in children, emphasizing that a lack of dramatic change does not equate to a lack of authenticity in faith. He argues that the true testimony of grace is when children grow up with Christian values and are saved at a young age, rather than having to experience a dramatic transformation from a life of sin. Baucham warns against the artificial means often used to lead children to profess faith, advocating for a nurturing approach that allows children to express their beliefs while ensuring they understand the depth of true conversion. He stresses the importance of guiding children in their faith journey rather than rushing to declare them saved based on superficial indicators. Ultimately, Baucham calls for a return to biblical understanding of salvation, free from heretical practices that can lead to false assurance.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.5K30:36CompilationGEN 22:2MAT 10:32MAT 18:3MRK 6:14ACT 2:41ROM 8:26HEB 10:17In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story of a little girl who had a powerful encounter with God during a church service. The preacher describes how the girl stood in awe and fear of God, and how she was deeply moved by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Despite not kneeling or praying, the girl held onto a pew tightly and wept uncontrollably. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and warns of the judgment that awaits those who do not turn to God. The preacher also expresses a desire to warn sinners and urges listeners to fear sin and seek a relationship with God.
Through the Bible - John - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.2K58:04EXO 34:29MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 18:3JHN 4:46JHN 5:2JHN 10:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden to save people rather than just distributing tracks. He uses the example of Jesus and his disciples being hungry in Samaria to illustrate the attitude we should have when faced with physical needs. The speaker encourages the audience to prioritize doing the will of God and finishing His work as their main focus. He also highlights the significance of living a life that reflects the message of Jesus, inviting others to come and see the transformation in their own lives.
The Wonder
By Vance Havner2.1K38:36MAT 18:3MAT 19:14MRK 10:141CO 13:11EPH 5:141TH 1:31TI 4:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the loss of wonder and imagination in children as they grow older. He mentions how children are full of curiosity and imagination, but as they become exposed to more things through technology, they become cynical and lose their sense of wonder. The preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder and encourages the congregation to not lose it. He also mentions the importance of making decisions and following through with obedience, using the story of the prodigal son as an example.
Welsh Revival Facts and Fallacies
By J. Edwin Orr1.8K1:16:30Welsh RevivalMAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 18:3LUK 11:9ROM 5:6ROM 5:8JAS 5:16In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts a revival that took place in Wales before the rise of Karl Marx. The students of a theological school petitioned their principal to close down the school and attend a preaching by Seth Joshua in Blaenannurg. The speaker emphasizes the impact of the revival on the community, with a decrease in crime and the police joining the crowds at church services. Evan Roberts, a key figure in the revival, had a spiritual experience and felt compelled to spread the message of salvation throughout Wales. The meetings grew in size, and the speaker confidently declares that they are on the eve of a great revival, the greatest the world has ever seen.
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.
First Baptist Church - Part 2
By Bill McLeod1.5K35:49Revival HistoryPSA 139:23ISA 30:21MAT 18:3MRK 10:14ACT 2:41ACT 4:31JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker shares powerful testimonies of transformation and revival in their church. They recount how one man, Martin Bucker, experienced a profound change of heart and returned to God after a moment of brokenness. Another testimony involves a young girl who confesses her previous dislike for old people but declares her newfound love for them, leading to a powerful encounter between her and an elderly woman. The speaker emphasizes that these transformations were not the result of counseling, but rather encounters with the living God through prayer and faith. The church experienced a radical transformation through biblical preaching and a focus on inviting children to participate. The speaker also mentions the importance of both preaching and sharing in the meetings, with only two nights dedicated solely to sharing. After each public meeting, smaller afterglow meetings were held for prayer and support for those convicted of sin.
Contract on Children - Part 1
By Winkie Pratney1.5K50:14JOL 2:28JOL 3:3MAT 18:3MRK 9:36MRK 10:15REV 12:1This sermon delves into the concept of childhood and the importance of childlike characteristics in Christians, contrasting them with the negative traits prevalent in society. It explores the idea of a 'contract on childhood' in the 1980s, drawing parallels to historical biblical events where children were targeted. The speaker discusses the spirit of Moloch and the attack on childhood, emphasizing the need for believers to embody childlike qualities to enter the kingdom of God.
Pilgrim's Progress - Part 4
By Alfred P. Gibbs1.5K58:20Pilgrim's ProgressPSA 50:5MAT 18:3MAT 18:20JHN 3:3ACT 2:44HEB 10:25HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the journey of a Christian pilgrim named Christian. Christian finds rest in a shady arbor built by the Lord of the hill, feeling refreshed and ready to continue his journey. Along the straight and narrow path, Christian encounters three men who are asleep and bound by chains placed by Satan. Instead of ignoring their plight, Christian is concerned for their salvation and tries to wake them up. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again, repenting, and accepting Jesus as the Lord of one's life in order to find the way to the celestial city.
The Principle of Faith
By K.P. Yohannan1.4K36:25FaithMAT 6:14MAT 18:3MRK 11:24ROM 4:20GAL 6:7EPH 2:8PHP 3:3In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon emphasizes the importance of living by faith every day of our lives. He shares the story of Abraham, who believed in a God who calls things that are not as though they are. Abraham trusted God's promise of a son, even though there was no physical evidence of it. Johannon encourages listeners to have the same kind of faith, relying on God's provision and not depending on themselves. He also highlights the work of Gospel for Asia in reaching the 2.7 billion people in Asia who have never heard of the love of Christ.
Abundance of Blessing
By Gerhard Du Toit1.4K42:39BlessingMAT 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 11:28MAT 18:3MAT 22:37MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a mother's love and how it transformed her drug-addicted son's life. The mother entered a beautiful mansion where her son was living rough and asked him why he didn't change his life. He gave her a look and left. However, after experiencing God's great love, the mother's heart was filled with love for her son. She embraced him, whispered that she loved him, and he broke down. The sermon emphasizes that this story illustrates the power of God's love to bring about transformation and revival in our lives.
New Covenant- Repentance & Heavenly Kingdom -1
By Zac Poonen1.4K10:13MAT 7:24MAT 18:3JHN 15:5ROM 6:141CO 1:302CO 12:9GAL 3:24HEB 12:2JAS 4:6This sermon delves into the concept of the New Covenant, highlighting the lack of understanding and living out of this covenant among many Christians. It emphasizes that the New Covenant is not merely about knowledge but about experiencing true life in Christ. Drawing parallels from the Garden of Eden, the sermon explains how choosing to decide for oneself what is good and evil leads to spiritual death, contrasting the principles of the law and grace. It underscores the importance of humble dependence on God, likening it to a child relying on a loving father for guidance and sustenance.
An Alarm to the Unconverted 3 of 5
By Joseph Alleine1.3K1:29:43Audio BooksJOL 3:16MAT 18:3MRK 16:16LUK 13:3JHN 3:19JHN 13:8ROM 8:13HEB 2:2HEB 10:28The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. It warns about the consequences of living in a state of sin and being unprepared for judgment. The speaker urges listeners to repent and turn to God, renouncing their idols and sinful practices. The sermon also highlights the power of the gospel to bring both salvation and condemnation, depending on one's response to it.
Jealous for the Testimony of the Lord
By Denny Kenaston1.2K2:05:47TestimonyPSA 23:1MAT 18:3HEB 5:7In this sermon, Brother Denny Keniston addresses his own failures and shortcomings as a father figure to the young people in the congregation. He acknowledges that his pride and lack of humility caused him to have a negative attitude at times, which he knows hurt the youth. He sincerely apologizes and asks for their forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in relationships. The sermon also includes moments of worship and encouragement from God, reminding everyone to trust in Him and be still.
(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 5
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K05:07PrayerMAT 4:17MAT 11:28MAT 16:24MAT 18:3MAT 19:14ACT 2:37ACT 4:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching the Word of God and the power it holds. He references the early apostles who dedicated themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer. The speaker then focuses on the story of Stephen, a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith, who preached a powerful sermon that ultimately cost him his life. The sermon emphasizes that the words of Jesus never left people neutral, but rather forced them to make a decision. The speaker also highlights the different ways people responded to the conviction of sin, as seen in the book of Acts.
(Daniel: The Man God Uses #5) Fragrance of Christ
By Ed Miller1.2K1:07:18ChristGEN 41:32PRO 2:4DAN 5:25MAT 18:3COL 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes three main points. Firstly, he states that life is like a party and should not be taken seriously. He argues that people should not be concerned with the soul or the concept of dying. Secondly, he highlights the disrespect shown towards God and His vessels by using them mockingly. The preacher believes that this reflects a mockery of God Himself. Lastly, he mentions the imminent threat of the enemy at the gate, referring to the story of Belshazzar's death in Daniel chapter 5. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to seek God and His guidance in their lives.
Jesus Gave All to His Father
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:00:42MAT 18:3LUK 6:38JHN 17:102CO 9:8PHP 2:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and brokenness in the pursuit of holiness. It highlights the need to surrender all aspects of our lives to God, seeking to imitate Jesus' humility and dependence on the Father. The speaker challenges listeners to acknowledge their need for others, to seek feedback humbly, and to prioritize God's kingdom over personal ambitions.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And said, verily I say unto you,.... You may take it for a certain truth, and what may be depended upon, that except ye be converted or turned; from that gross notion of a temporal kingdom, and of enjoying great grandeur, and outward felicity in this world; and from all your vain views of honour, wealth, and riches, and become as little children: the Arabic renders it, "as this child"; that is, unless ye learn to entertain an humble, and modest opinion of yourselves, are not envious at one another, and drop all contentions about primacy and pre-eminence, and all your ambitious views of one being greater than another, in a vainly expected temporal kingdom; things which are not to be found in little children, though not free from sin in other respects, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven: ye shall be so far from being one greater than another in it, that you shall not enter into it at all; meaning his visible, spiritual kingdom, which should take place, and appear after his resurrection, upon his ascension to heaven, and pouring forth of the Spirit: and it is to be observed, that the apostles carried these carnal views, contentions, and sentiments, till that time, and then were turned from them, and dropped them; for, upon the extraordinary effusion of the Holy Spirit, they were cleared of these worldly principles, and understood the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom; which they then entered into, and took their place in, and filled it up with great success, without envying one another; having received the same commission from their Lord, and Master: so that these words are a sort of prophecy of what should be, as well as designed as a rebuke to them for their present ambition and contentions.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:3 Like little children means to be humble (18:4). The disciples had been intent on status and ambition.