Growing Up From Adulthood to Childhood (Matthew 18:1–35)

The eighteenth chapter of Matthew’s gospel account records yet another significant teaching session from the Lord Jesus Christ. Whereas he has already described the ethical standard of the kingdom (chs. 5–7), sent his disciples out to declare the nearness of the kingdom (ch. 10), and parabolically introduced novel details about the kingdom (ch. 13), Jesus here explains a defining characteristic of greatness in the kingdom—that of childlike humility. While the world clamours for status and significance through self-promotion and applauds celebrity and influence, God’s economy celebrates and rewards meekness, selfless service, submission, and sacrifice. It is after true humility that God’s people are to pursue and, in this lesson, Jesus illustrates three things that happen when they do.