1 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.
5 And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
We all know this famous scene I guess. We can see Jesus loves children and the ones who have childlike faith. I'm thinking about what children's faith is like. Jesus mentioned "to humble" which might include exhibiting trust, openness, and eagerness to learn. Children come to trust someone easily and also once they think this is someone they can trust, they never doubt, like my students believe that I know everything about English. Children open their mind easily. They're always ready to accept things especially new things. Children are eager to learn because there are so many things they've never seen or heard. And they say, more, more and more!
We need to look into our faith and compare these things. Do I totally trust God or God's words? Am I open to what he's saying and ready to accept whatever he gets for me? Am I eager to learn "more" about his words and will?
Here's another thing I got from this part. Jesus says anyone causes these faithful ones(children) to sin would be better to sink into the sea to die. what a strong expression he uses..This also shows how important our influence to the others is.
Again, it is so obvious how important to raise my children not to sin but to live in God even though I'm not a mom yet.
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2 comments:
Thank you for your reflection.
Isn't it true that God runs totally different system than this world does? When Jesus' diciples came and asked that question, they came with mindset that they wanted to be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. They wanted to be number one and highest commander right next line of Jesus. I am guessing tht they were waiting for Jesus to point out to them. Unexpectly Jesus pointed to a little child and said be like a little child then you are the greatest in the kindgom of heaven. Sungeun, you pointed out what Jesus meant by being like a little child. God loves child like heart, pure and humble. I think we started like that when we accepted Jesus into our heart. However, our hearts and minds get cloudy because our sins. Jesus mentioned the result of sin as death not just physical death but spiritual, eternal seperation from God. Jesus warned us to get rid of anything cause us to sin before it's too late. He warned us not live our lives for temporary pleasure eventually lead us to the fire of hell but live for eternal glory. It is important that we come to realization that how we live our lives. Do we allow our sinful nature take over and control us? Are we seeking our own desires and pleasures even though that grieve God? Jesus commands us to have a child like faith. Today, I will observe my hildren and see what things I can learn from them. Of course, I won't let them know what I am doing. Have a great day and hope to see you all tonight at the bible study!!
thanks for your reflection sungeun! you are right to emphasize jesus's words that we need to "become like little children". we need to "undo" all our previous ways of understanding the world and relating to others, all the devious pride within our hearts, all our "worldly wisdoms", and all our ways of categorically judging others. we need to "undo" them all and become like little children. well, it's impossible you might say to undo what we know and what we are, all our habits and temperaments and failures. yes, it is impossible EXCEPT for the gospel of Jesus Christ, through which one can truly be BORN AGAIN. through Christ we might once again attain the trusting, pure, humble heart of a child.
this passage reminds us that we better put our whole lives into making sure that this miracle has really happened in our own lives and that we are truly living for the kingdom, for Jesus says that we will never enter it otherwise.
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