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Matthew 18:4
Verse
Context
The Greatest in the Kingdom
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.5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself,.... Whoever shall entertain mean thoughts of himself, and prefer others to himself, shall behave in a modest humble manner, not affecting dominion over others, or treating his brethren and Christians in a haughty and supercilious manner, with scorn and contempt; but condescend to those of the lowest state, and place himself in the lowest form, conversing with his friends freely and familiarly, without distinction, as this little child; or any other of the like age; for there is no reason to suppose, that there was anything peculiar in this child, which was not in another, it being common to children to behave towards one another, as on a level; not to envy one another, or to set up one above another, or be vainly elated with the distinctions of birth and fortune. The same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven; in the Gospel church state; which was verified in the Apostle Paul, though not one of the twelve: nor are these words limited to them; at least, this passage may be illustrated in his case: he thought himself to be the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be called an apostle; yet had the largest measures of grace, the greatest gifts and abilities; and was honoured with the greatest usefulness and success in the preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, and planting of churches; labouring more abundantly than they all.
Matthew 18:4
The Greatest in the Kingdom
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.5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.
- 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.
Building Through Discipleship (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:01:17EXO 33:14PSA 51:17PRO 16:19ISA 41:10MAT 18:4ROM 8:312CO 12:9PHP 4:13JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives, drawing parallels from the story of Moses confronting the powerful empire of his time. It highlights the need for humility, brokenness, and complete reliance on God, showcasing how God's presence can empower us to overcome any challenge or affliction. The speaker encourages a deep longing for God's presence, reminding listeners that with God on our side, nothing can stand against us.
Trying to Please the Lord
By Zac Poonen1.3K57:16PRO 31:30MAT 8:10MAT 18:4LUK 3:211CO 10:5EPH 5:101PE 3:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning our thinking with God's will, focusing on humility, seeking what pleases the Lord, and valuing internal character over external appearances. It highlights the need to be childlike in humility, gentle, and quiet in spirit, following the example of Jesus and Mary. The message encourages seeking God's approval over the praise of men and striving to live a life that pleases the Father, even in hidden acts of goodness.
Learning How to Make Progress in Christian Life
By Zac Poonen6011:18:31GEN 3:15MAT 5:3MAT 8:16MAT 11:29MAT 18:4LUK 17:3ROM 8:31ROM 14:17ROM 16:202CO 2:142CO 7:11JN 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects the character of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need for humility, purity, and compassion towards sinners while being firm against unrepentant sin. The message encourages believers to seek victory over the devil, to cleanse themselves from all filthiness, and to have the aroma of Christ in their lives. It calls for a church where Christ is honored and the devil is defeated, urging individuals to respond to God's call to live a life of holiness and victory.
What We Keep,we Lose
By W.F. Anderson41800:00MAT 18:4MRK 10:43In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and service in the Christian life. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Jesus using himself as an example of a servant and using a child to teach the lesson of humility. The preacher also highlights the contrast between a mindset of seeking personal gain versus a mindset of giving and serving others. He emphasizes that service should be voluntary and not forced, drawing from the example of Jesus willingly serving others during his time on earth.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Three Dangerous Sins
By Zac Poonen0SinHumilityMAT 5:27MAT 6:30MAT 8:10MAT 18:4MRK 6:6MRK 16:14LUK 17:10LUK 18:9HEB 3:12REV 4:10Zac Poonen addresses 'Three Dangerous Sins' that can hinder a believer's walk with God: Impurity, Unbelief, and Spiritual Pride. He emphasizes that impurity enters through our senses and manifests in our actions, urging believers to guard their eyes and tongues as seriously as one would guard their physical body. Unbelief is portrayed as an evil heart that insults God, while spiritual pride is critiqued as a common sin among those pursuing holiness, leading to judgment of others. Poonen highlights the importance of humility and faith in God’s promises for true spiritual growth.
Learning to Be Like a Child
By Joshua Daniel0PSA 51:17PRO 16:18MAT 18:4JHN 8:32JHN 14:6JHN 16:13EPH 4:25COL 3:9JAS 4:101PE 3:8Joshua Daniel preaches on the importance of humbling ourselves like little children before God, emphasizing the need to let go of resentment, unforgiveness, and pride that hinder our relationship with God. He highlights the significance of being willing to say 'sorry' and acknowledge our faults, following the example of Jesus who humbly sacrificed Himself for us. Additionally, he stresses the necessity of embracing the Spirit of truth, being open and honest in all aspects of our lives, as Jesus is the embodiment of truth and calls us to live in truthfulness.
The Mark of the Cross.
By Gareth Evans0MAT 15:11MAT 18:4MRK 9:34LUK 22:26PHP 2:6Gareth Evans delves into the significance of the mark of the cross, exploring the concept of bearing the mark of the cross in our lives today. He challenges traditional interpretations of taking up the cross, emphasizing that it symbolizes death to self and one's natural desires, as exemplified by Jesus. Evans highlights Jesus' teachings on greatness in the Kingdom as a key aspect of taking up one's cross and dying to self.
Being Like a Little Child
By Zac Poonen0PRO 11:2ISA 11:6MAT 12:18MAT 18:4MAT 23:12MRK 9:35LUK 18:17PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:5Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of humility and childlike faith in the church, drawing parallels to the peaceful reign of Jesus on earth. He emphasizes that true leaders in the church are those who are humble and guileless like little children, not seeking recognition or status. By following Jesus' example of humility and simplicity, leaders can create an atmosphere of peace and unity within the church, reflecting the kingdom of God. Poonen highlights the need for self-examination among leaders when discord arises, urging them to embody the characteristics of a little child to lead effectively.
They Are Attended With Evangelical Humiliation.
By Jonathan Edwards0JOB 42:6PSA 34:18PSA 51:17EZK 36:26HAB 2:4MAT 5:3MAT 18:4LUK 18:13COL 3:12Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of evangelical humiliation in true Christianity, emphasizing the distinction between legal and evangelical humility. He explains that evangelical humiliation involves a deep sense of one's insufficiency and odiousness, leading to a humble disposition to exalt God alone. Edwards highlights that this humility is essential in true religion, as it reflects a mean esteem of oneself and a free renunciation of personal glory. He warns against hypocritical displays of humility and emphasizes the need for genuine self-denial and annihilation of self in evangelical humility.
The Awful Void
By George Kulp0JOS 24:151SA 15:221SA 28:15PRO 29:1HOS 4:17MAT 18:4LUK 9:62EPH 4:30HEB 6:4HEB 10:26George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of spiritual suicide, using the story of King Saul as a cautionary tale. Saul, once anointed by God and filled with the Spirit, disobeyed repeatedly until God departed from him, leaving him in eternal damnation. Kulp urges the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual state, emphasizing the importance of humility, obedience, and a living relationship with God to avoid a similar fate.
Let the People Renew Their Strength
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 18:4MAT 23:12LUK 3:5LUK 14:11LUK 18:142CO 11:72CO 12:21PHP 2:8PHP 4:12JAS 4:101PE 5:6The preacher delves into the meaning of humility, emphasizing the importance of humbling oneself in the presence of the Lord. He explains that true humility involves recognizing our unworthiness and allowing God to work in us, bringing us to a lower position. The preacher highlights various biblical examples of humility, such as Isaiah, Job, and the apostle John, who were profoundly impacted by encountering God's glory. He stresses that humility is a response to understanding God's greatness and our own sinfulness, leading to a genuine realization of our need for God's grace and exaltation.
- John Gill
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself,.... Whoever shall entertain mean thoughts of himself, and prefer others to himself, shall behave in a modest humble manner, not affecting dominion over others, or treating his brethren and Christians in a haughty and supercilious manner, with scorn and contempt; but condescend to those of the lowest state, and place himself in the lowest form, conversing with his friends freely and familiarly, without distinction, as this little child; or any other of the like age; for there is no reason to suppose, that there was anything peculiar in this child, which was not in another, it being common to children to behave towards one another, as on a level; not to envy one another, or to set up one above another, or be vainly elated with the distinctions of birth and fortune. The same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven; in the Gospel church state; which was verified in the Apostle Paul, though not one of the twelve: nor are these words limited to them; at least, this passage may be illustrated in his case: he thought himself to be the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be called an apostle; yet had the largest measures of grace, the greatest gifts and abilities; and was honoured with the greatest usefulness and success in the preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, and planting of churches; labouring more abundantly than they all.