Study of Matthew April 21, 2024 Discussion Question: When is the last time you went to the source of wisdom for a strong opinion that you have? Matthew 18:1 – 5 At the same time Peter has an opinion about taxes the disciples have an opinion about the greatest in the Kingdom. Discussions about things that are not relevant are normative for fallen humanity. It seems to run in our fallen DNA. I’m not totally sure what it is about us that make us want to argue over irrelevant things. Maybe it goes back to satan’s question, “did God really say?” and that somehow is in sinful nature. One thing we know is that discussing and arguing over irrelevant things does get passed down from one generation to another. The problem is we develop our own set of rules; our values that we want to live by and if someone violates that then we demand a big discussion. Most of our arguments are because someone has an opposing view… Most arguments whether they are religious, political, daily news or family issues; we argue from a strong opinion and many times we do not take the time to investigate a reliable source or go to an expert. In the end we hurt relationships and leave with wounded emotions. In this case friends (Disciples) decide to go the source. 1. Ambition vs. 1b … Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The word in Mark 9:33 for arguing to go back-and-forth when evaluating, in a way that typically leads to a confused conclusion. The term implies one confused mind interacting with other confused minds, each further reinforcing the original confusion. The GOAT debate… they take a worldly argument and bring it into the Kingdom of Heaven. 2. Acquisition vs. 3 Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven The word for converted means to acquire a new state of mind, and a new way of thinking Isn’t it amazing that the men Christ has chosen to follow HIM, the men HE has given great authority and power to still need a conversion; a new way of thinking This is not about conversion of sinner to saved… Rather it is a new state of mind Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 3. Attitude vs. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. All children are not humble…they can be very self-centered. So there must be more going on here than just pointing to a child. Humble like a child can mean: First – The child came to HIM…This child came trusting Jesus Secondly – Lowering, implying to the rank of a child. Thirdly – No legal status. The child was basically the parent’s property. The child had no right to self-determination and no power of independent action… here it is about the child submission (compliance, yielding) The issue is that the root problem in all of our lives – PRIDE! Pride says I’m the best; no one is as good as me. James 4:6 “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Humble is to be marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful To humble ourselves as a child is to have o strong confidence; o be subordinate (low rank); o submission 4. Accepting / Affection vs. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Receive is to accept in a welcoming, receptive way. There is a high level of personal involvement here…warmly receive with a willingness; to receive favorably and to listen to and embrace. It is even deeper in the fact that it grants access into our lives by the other person; friendship When we put down the GOAT discussion and become like children in Trust, Rank and Submission we are willing to do what God says.