Childlike Humility: The True Greatness in Heaven

In Matthew 18, the disciples asked Jesus a profound question: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This question reflects a universal human desire for greatness, a longing that is evident in various aspects of life, from academics to sports, and even within the church. However, Jesus' response challenges our conventional understanding of greatness. He points to a child as the epitome of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing humility and simplicity over worldly achievements and recognition.

The kingdom of heaven, as Jesus describes, is not about earthly prosperity or fame. It is a spiritual realm that requires a transformation of heart and mind. To enter this kingdom, one must be "converted and become like little children." This conversion involves shedding worldly notions of greatness and embracing humility, innocence, and a lack of self-defense, much like a newborn who has no ambitions, no stored-up anger, and no anxiety.

Jesus, the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, exemplified this childlike attitude. Despite His profound wisdom and understanding, He approached life with the innocence and humility of a child, particularly in His attitude toward evil. In 1 Corinthians 14:20, we are encouraged to be mature in understanding but childlike in our approach to evil. This balance is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.

Moreover, the kingdom of heaven is revealed to those who approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child. Intellectual cleverness and worldly wisdom are insufficient for understanding the deep truths of Scripture. Instead, a humble, childlike spirit is essential for true spiritual insight.

In God's kingdom, the leaders are those who embody the spirit of a child. This means having no self-defense, not standing up for personal rights, and not being easily offended. It also means having no ambitions for power or fame and trusting God with a simple, unwavering faith. This childlike trust in God as our Heavenly Father frees us from anxiety and fear, allowing us to live in peace and assurance of His provision and care.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True greatness in the kingdom of heaven is marked by humility and childlikeness, not by worldly achievements or recognition. Jesus exemplified this by living with the innocence and humility of a child, despite His profound wisdom and authority. [04:46]
• 2. To enter the kingdom of heaven, one must be converted and become like a child, shedding worldly notions of greatness and embracing humility, innocence, and a lack of self-defense. This transformation is essential for spiritual growth and understanding. [05:01]
• 3. Spiritual insight and understanding of Scripture are revealed to those who approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child. Intellectual cleverness and worldly wisdom are insufficient for grasping the deep truths of God's Word. [11:26]
• 4. In God's kingdom, the leaders are those who embody the spirit of a child, having no self-defense, not standing up for personal rights, and not being easily offended. This childlike attitude is essential for true Christian living. [15:33]
• 5. A childlike trust in God as our Heavenly Father frees us from anxiety and fear, allowing us to live in peace and assurance of His provision and care. This simple, unwavering faith is crucial for experiencing the fullness of life in God's kingdom. [33:51]
  ** [33:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:23] - The Question of Greatness
• [01:27] - The Kingdom of Heaven
• [02:15] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Kingdom
• [03:12] - Jesus' Surprising Answer
• [04:46] - Becoming Like a Child
• [06:13] - Entering the Kingdom
• [07:14] - Humility of a Child
• [08:12] - Jesus' Childlike Attitude
• [09:42] - Understanding and Innocence
• [11:26] - Revelation to the Humble
• [13:11] - Spiritual Insight
• [15:33] - Leadership in God's Kingdom
• [19:11] - Rights and Offenses
• [33:51] - Trusting Our Heavenly Father

1. Matthew 18:1-4
2. 1 Corinthians 14:20
3. Matthew 11:25-26

1. In Matthew 18:1-4, what question do the disciples ask Jesus, and how does He respond to illustrate who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [01:27]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 14:20, how does Paul instruct believers to balance maturity and childlikeness in their understanding and approach to evil? [08:41]
3. In Matthew 11:25-26, what does Jesus thank the Father for, and what does this reveal about who receives spiritual insight? [11:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the characteristics of a child that Jesus highlights as essential for entering the kingdom of heaven? [07:14]

1. Why does Jesus use a child as an example of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, and what does this imply about the values of God's kingdom compared to worldly values? [04:46]
2. How does the concept of being "converted and become like little children" challenge common perceptions of success and greatness in today's society? [05:01]
3. What does it mean to have a childlike approach to evil, and how can this be reconciled with the need for mature understanding in spiritual matters? [09:42]
4. How does the sermon suggest that intellectual cleverness and worldly wisdom can hinder one's understanding of Scripture and spiritual truths? [11:42]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you seek recognition or greatness according to worldly standards? How can you shift your focus to embodying childlike humility and trust in God? [01:09]
2. Consider a situation where you felt the need to defend yourself or assert your rights. How might adopting a childlike attitude of no self-defense change your response in similar situations? [17:14]
3. Think of a time when you were offended by someone's words or actions. How can you cultivate a childlike spirit that is not easily offended and instead responds with grace and forgiveness? [20:46]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with anxiety or fear. How can you practice childlike trust in God as your Heavenly Father to find peace and assurance in His provision? [33:51]
5. How can you approach your study of Scripture with the simplicity and openness of a child, setting aside intellectual pride and seeking genuine spiritual insight? [12:40]
6. Reflect on your ambitions and goals. Are they aligned with the values of God's kingdom, or are they driven by a desire for personal achievement and recognition? How can you realign them to reflect a childlike trust in God's plan for your life? [30:20]
7. In what ways can you demonstrate a childlike faith in your daily interactions with others, especially in situations where you might be tempted to rely on your own cleverness or experience? [25:49]