Matthew 18: Part I - The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

Summary:

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
Verses 1-9

The disciples went to Jesus and asked who the greatest was in heaven.  Jesus called over a small child and had him stand among them.  Jesus told them that unless they changed and became like a small child, they'd never get to heaven.  So, those that humble themselves like the child are the greatest in heaven.  Whoever welcomes a child in His name welcomes Jesus.

If anyone causes a little one, that believes in Christ, to sin - it'd be better to have a large millstone tied around their neck to drown them in the sea.  Woe to the world, because of what causes sin.  These things must come, but woe to them to whom they come.  If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off.  It's better to live life maimed or crippled than to have all of your limbs and be thrown into eternal fire.  If your eye causes you to sin gouge it out and throw it away.  It's better to live with one eye than to have both and be thrown into the fire of hell.

Lori's Thoughts:

Jesus did not preach a touchy-feely gospel.  Why should He?  Our fate is His mission.  Our sinful nature makes it easy for us to sin.  I'm sure Jesus doesn't want us to maim ourselves.  He wants us to go to heaven.  But, if we let ourselves get wrapped up in pettiness, such as competing with each other for who is the best, we start to worship ourselves and we sin against God.

The disciples were asking who was the greatest of their group in heaven.  They should have been thinking about how wonderful God is for even thinking of us.  How humbling it must have been for grown fishermen, strong and burly, to find a child in their midst and be told to aspire to be like this child. It must have been like cold water in the face.  The gospel is not easy to take.  If it was easy, lots of people would take that road, but not put their hearts into it.  Where would honor or glory or wisdom or perseverance or understanding be if salvation was easy?  We'd take it for granted.  The determined, the seeking, will find it.

Summary...

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Verses 10-14

Jesus told them not to look down upon children, because their angels always see the face of God.  He asked them if the owner of 100 sheep, with 1 that wanders off, will leave the 99 to look for the 1?  The answer is yes.  If He finds it, He's happier about the 1 than the 99 that never strayed.  Similarly, God doesn't want to lose a single one!

Lori's Thoughts...

Do you get it now?!  Jesus isn't mean or want you to experience no pleasure.  He wants you safe, first.  Then, you can enjoy yourself.  But, while we're on this earth and in these sinful bodies, we must train ourselves, through the coaching of the Holy Spirit, to stop sinning.

It is possible to not sin.  Elijah did it.  He was a human + God.  Anyone + God can do it.  God won't stop trying to save you until you are safe or until you make Him stop.  But, you must actively accept salvation to obtain it.