Converted and Childlike: Keys to the Kingdom

Tonight’s teaching explored what it truly means to follow the pattern Jesus set for his people, especially as it relates to humility, change, and our relationships with one another. Beginning with the story of Peter and the temple tax, we saw that everything in creation belongs to God. When Jesus sent Peter to find a coin in a fish’s mouth, it was a reminder that God is not dependent on our resources—he invites us to participate in his work, but he is the source of all things. This sets the stage for understanding our place in God’s kingdom: not as owners, but as stewards and participants in something much bigger than ourselves.

Moving into Matthew 18, the disciples’ question—“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”—reveals a common human desire for status and recognition. Jesus’ response is both simple and profound: he places a child in their midst and says that unless we are converted and become like children, we cannot even enter the kingdom, let alone be great in it. This is a radical call to humility and transformation. Conversion, as Jesus describes it, is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of being turned around, strengthened, and reversed from our old ways. Even those who have walked with Jesus the longest are called to continual change.

The child becomes the model—not because of immaturity, but because of a willingness to trust, obey, and be taught. Adults often resist change, clinging to what they know and defending their maturity. But Jesus insists that true greatness in his kingdom is found in those who humble themselves, who are teachable, and who are willing to be changed. This humility is not just for our own spiritual growth, but is essential for healthy relationships within the community of faith.

Jesus then gives practical instructions for resolving conflict among believers. The process is clear: go directly to the person, then involve witnesses if needed, and finally bring it before the community. Only after these steps does the authority to “bind and loose” come into play. The power of agreement and the presence of Christ among us are directly tied to our willingness to reconcile and walk in humility. If we allow pride, unresolved conflict, or a refusal to change to remain in our midst, we hinder the very presence and power of God among us.

Ultimately, the call is to cancel the conflicts that divide us, to embrace the ongoing process of conversion, and to approach God and one another with the humility of a child. This is the path to true greatness in the kingdom.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Everything Belongs to God God is not dependent on our resources or offerings; he is the source of all things. When Jesus provided the temple tax from a fish’s mouth, it was a reminder that all creation is at his command. Our giving and participation are not about meeting God’s needs, but about joining in his work and recognizing his sovereignty over all. [07:22]
• 2. Conversion is an Ongoing Process Jesus calls even his closest followers to continual conversion—a process of being turned around, strengthened, and reversed from old patterns. True discipleship means being open to change, not just once, but repeatedly as God reveals new areas for growth. Spiritual maturity is not about having arrived, but about remaining willing to be transformed. [16:17]
• 3. Humility is the Path to Greatness The greatest in God’s kingdom are those who humble themselves like children—teachable, trusting, and willing to obey. Adult pride and self-sufficiency are barriers to both entering and thriving in the kingdom. Humility is not weakness, but the strength to let go of ego and embrace God’s way. [13:43]
• 4. Healthy Community Requires Humble Conflict Resolution Jesus’ instructions for resolving conflict are rooted in humility and directness. We are called to address issues privately, involve others only as needed, and seek reconciliation above all. The authority to “bind and loose” and the promise of God’s presence are linked to our willingness to pursue peace and unity, not division. [33:43]
• 5. Our Witness Depends on Our Relationships The world is watching how believers handle disagreements and differences. When we allow unresolved conflict or public disputes to persist, we damage our witness and hinder God’s work among us. True kingdom living means canceling conflicts, seeking reconciliation, and modeling the humility and love of Christ in all our relationships. [42:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:49] - Centering in Prayer
• [02:06] - The Temple Tax and God’s Ownership
• [04:08] - Peter’s Question and Jesus’ Response
• [06:42] - God’s Sovereignty Over All Creation
• [08:37] - Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom?
• [09:50] - Understanding “Kingdom” and “Basilia”
• [11:49] - Jesus’ Object Lesson with a Child
• [13:05] - Humility and Receiving Children
• [16:17] - The Meaning of Conversion
• [18:54] - The Process of Change and Humility
• [22:11] - Maturity vs. Teachability
• [27:54] - The Rare Humility That Leads to Greatness
• [30:31] - Jesus’ Pattern for Conflict Resolution
• [33:43] - Binding, Loosing, and Agreement
• [40:12] - Barriers to God’s Presence Among Us
• [42:04] - Canceling Kingdom Conflicts
• [45:57] - Ongoing Conversion and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 17:24–27 (ESV)
> 24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”
> 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”
> 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.
> 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

Matthew 18:1–5, 15–20 (ESV)
> 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
> 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them
> 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
> 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
> 5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.
> ...
> 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
> 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
> 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
> 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
> 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
> 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In the story of the temple tax, how did Jesus provide for the payment, and what does this show about his authority over creation? ([06:42])
2. When the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom, what object lesson did Jesus use to answer them? ([11:49])
3. According to Jesus, what must someone do to even enter the kingdom of heaven, not just be great in it? ([12:26])
4. What steps does Jesus lay out for resolving conflict between believers in Matthew 18? ([31:08])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus told his own disciples—people who had already left everything to follow him—that they still needed to be “converted” and become like children? What does this say about spiritual growth? ([15:01])
2. What qualities of a child do you think Jesus wants us to imitate, and why might these be difficult for adults to embrace? ([20:12])
3. How does the process Jesus gives for conflict resolution reflect the humility and teachability he calls for in his followers? ([33:43])
4. The sermon says that unresolved conflict and pride can hinder God’s presence and power among us. How might this play out in a church or small group setting? ([40:12])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon pointed out that everything belongs to God and that he is not dependent on our resources. How does this truth affect the way you think about giving, serving, or participating in God’s work? Are there areas where you act as if God needs you, rather than you joining in what he’s already doing? ([07:22])
2. Jesus says conversion is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Can you identify an area in your life where God is currently calling you to change or “be turned around”? What would it look like to give yourself over to that process? ([16:17])
3. Adults often resist change and defend their maturity. Are there ways you find yourself resisting being “teachable” or humble like a child? What would it look like for you to be more open to learning or correction? ([18:15])
4. Jesus’ pattern for conflict resolution starts with going directly to the person. Think of a recent or ongoing conflict in your life. Have you followed this pattern? If not, what’s holding you back from taking the first step? ([31:08])
5. The sermon said that our witness to the world depends on how we handle disagreements and differences. Is there a relationship in your life where unresolved conflict might be hurting your witness? What practical step could you take this week toward reconciliation? ([42:04])
6. The call to humility is not just for our own spiritual growth, but for the health of the whole community. How can you help create a culture of humility and reconciliation in your small group, family, or church? ([40:47])
7. The pastor shared that even after years of following Jesus, he is “still being converted.” How does this perspective challenge or encourage you in your own spiritual journey? ([45:57])