Today’s reading is from Matthew 18, which starts in the middle of an event that began in Mark 9. After Jesus casts a demon out of a young boy, He and His disciples hit the road. During their travel, Jesus uses this time to teach His disciples about His upcoming crucifixion, death, and resurrection (Mark 9:30–31). But, His disciples didn’t understand the teaching: But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. (Mark 9:32, ESV)
As Jesus and His group arrive in Capernaum and get settled in, Jesus asks His disciples, “What were you discussing on the way?” (Mark 9:33, ESV) There had been a lot of talk, but not about what Jesus had been teaching them. But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. (Mark 9:34, ESV) Uh-oh! It makes sense why they didn’t want to understand what Jesus had been teaching concerning his death and resurrection. In their pride, they were focused on their positions in Jesus’ kingdom, and for that to happen in their minds, Jesus can’t die. No wonder they were afraid to ask Him what He meant by His teachings.
So what does Jesus do? It’s time for an object lesson! Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “…anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:2–4, NLT) Now they begin to understand! It takes the simplicity and humility of a child to grasp the Kingdom of Heaven; their pride had blinded them.
As believers, let us seek humility in our lives, not position. We should serve, not focus on grand ideas of being served. Embrace simplicity, not pomp. Let us follow Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians: “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NLT)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Matthew 18.