“…the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is GREATEST in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a LITTLE CHILD to Him and put THE CHILD among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you TURN (repent) FROM YOUR SINS AND BECOME LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN, you will NEVER GET INTO the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. So, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is THE GREATEST in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4)
Although Jesus wants to give all of us the Kingdom of God there are two important points we must see.
- THERE WILL BE SOME PEOPLE WHO WILL NEVER ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD: “Anyone who WILL NOT receive the kingdom of God like a child…” will what? Will NEVER ENTER IT. In fact, if you are wondering just how many people will end up NOT ENTERING the kingdom of God the bible says that it will be the majority. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and ONLY A FEW FIND IT.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
- THE OLDER WE ARE THE HARDER IT IS TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD: Notice that Jesus said, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God LIKE A CHILD will never enter it.” Jesus could just as easily substituted one other word after He said anyone who will not… and that is the word “change” (repent). Unless we “change” and become like little children we will never enter the kingdom of God. As we know, the older we are the harder it is to change.
Another example of this “Little Child” concept, “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and DO NOT FORBID THEM; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will BY NO MEANS ENTER IT.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and BLESSED THEM.” (Mark 10:13-16)
“Repent and be converted, that your sins may be BLOTTED OUT…” (Acts 3:19)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham