Who is the Greatest

Who is the Greatest?
Matthew 18:1-7
Question of the disciples…
Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Why do we have such difficulty getting along?
“To live above with saints we love will be glory …
“To live below with saints we know, well that’s another story!”
The Road to Greatness …
Statesmen, leaders of nations, builders of society
Literary geniuses, artists, poets, musicians
Heroes, sports legends, humanitarians
Seeds of greatness in each of us …
Those seeds may never produce greatness in the eyes of the world
God’s standard of greatness is much different …
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
What childlike quality ??
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.
Matthew 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
The Need for Humility …
Proverbs 6:16-17 There are six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:17 A proud look..
1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
The Need for Humility …
Philippians 2:3-5 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
Receiving little ones …
Matthew 18:5-7 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Receiving little ones …
1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
Causing others to stumble ..
Matthew 18:6-7 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Causing others to stumble ..
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.
1 Corinthians 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
Learning the Lesson …
It Is Human Nature to Consider Self First
The Lord’s People Are of Little Use without Biblical Change
True Greatness Is Marked by Humility
Greatness in God’s Kingdom …
Matthew 20:26-28 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Who is the Greatest?
Matthew 18:1-7