Introduction

Matthew 18 is all about the King’s kids:

1. How they enter the Kingdom of Heaven - Matt 18:3-4
2. How they're to be treated - Matt 18:5-9
3. How they're to be cared for - Matt 18:10-14
4. How they're to be disciplined - Matt 18:15-20
5. How they're to be reconciled and forgiven - Matt 18:21-35

I The Simplicity of Children

Mark 9:33-34 “Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.”

1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying: [Verse 1]
2. “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Greatest = Meizon = “Larger, eldest, greatest”

Kingdom of Heaven = “The sphere of God's rule”

1. The Kingdom of God emphasizes the ruler
2. The Kingdom of heaven emphasizes the character of His ruling

Jesus had just taught in Matt 16:24 that if any would come after Me:

1. Let him deny himself
2. Let him take up his cross
3. Let him follow Me
4. Let him lose his life and he will find it

Summary: “The cross before the crown and grief before glory!”

But the disciples are so skewed in their biblical understanding of the mission and agenda of the Messiah that they remained adamant in their pursuit of position, promotion, prominence and personal greatness – and they would remain so until after Christ’s resurrection!

May God bless you through this message!

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