Who is the Greatest? | Matthew 18:1-20
Sermon Summary:
A common topic of conversation is “Who is the greatest?” Who is the greatest athlete of all time? Who is the best president? Who is the greatest at this or that? It is very clear that the world has a different definition of greatness than the one Jesus teaches. In the kingdom of heaven, Jesus says to be the greatest you need to become like a child. What is so great about children? Well, Jesus’ point is that children are great because they are dependent and needy. That sounds strange…but it is the way things work in Jesus’ kingdom. The weak, needy, and vulnerable are the ones who are deserving of the most honor, love, and care. All of us are completely dependent upon God. We only become part of the kingdom by His grace. In Matthew 18, Jesus provides the radical teaching that we should especially care for and honor the weakest in faith among us. This sermon will explore what this means and how this could look.
What is so great about children?
Jesus defines greatness as dependence and neediness.
In Jesus’ kingdom, it is not only children who are the greatest. It is anyone who is needy and vulnerable.
“To become like a child means to repent of pride, acknowledge one’s total need for God’s grace, and look to Christ for salvation in this life and on the Last Day.”
So, who are the greatest among us?
People who are struggling with temptations to sin.
People who have wandered away from following Jesus.
People who have sinned against you.
You at one time were one of the greatest. And one day you will be the greatest again. Remember that, and care for the greatest among us whenever you can.
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