THE LITTLE ONES
Matthew 18
“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question was classic: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Firstly he tells them that they have to change. The way I understand it, he means that they have to change to become people who would never have asked such a question, as illustrated by a child.
The child has nothing except his need and (usually) his love (or gratitude). Such a person is fit to enter God’s kingdom because there is no arrogance, only need and love.
Why is such a person the greatest? Because he enjoys the love and faithfulness of God.
The little one is vulnerable but God loves him and wants to save him. Unfortunately he is in a world full of things that will cause him to stumble but God is determined to deal with it. The logical solution is untenable—cut off the cancer—and in his love God cut off his own son for the sake of the little ones. It tells us how important it is that we deal with sin and not entertain it; it is poison to our soul.
This is why the little ones are the greatest; because God is great. They enjoy the great love of God. Even if they stray from his love he will seek after them. We do not need to get upset when we read “he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off”, seemingly implying that wandering off is rewarded. It just tells us of the concern and subsequent joy which is greater because it came off the lows of the concern. God is not indifferent nor careless.
“In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”