Object Lessons of Jesus – Young Child

Object Lessons of Jesus – Young Child.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:1-6).

HUMAN OBJECT: A young child; the Greek word is paidion, which is not gender specific, and generally means toddler.

LESSON: Jesus loved to teach in a way that was memorable. He loved to do the unexpected and the graphic when making a spiritual point. Here He is taking a nearby child and turning him/her into an object lesson. Jesus claims that the child is a model of a true believer. On the other hand, Jesus implied, none of you disciples are, if you want to keep worrying about who is greatest. If you want to follow me, Jesus is saying, become like a child. Learn to be comfortable with being unimportant, with little status or power. Identify with the child who tends to go through the day unnoticed and underappreciated. Learn to be as dependent on God as a child is on his/her parents. Have simple needs, like a young child. Be transparent, straightforward, and honest. Be trusting in God’s authority and motivation like a child would be with adult authority. And don’t forget, children are naturally curious, they are by nature good learners because of their interest in so many things and their desire to grow up. Speaking of children, we all know they are vulnerable, they are trusting, and they are physically weaker than adults. So be aware, says Jesus, that I have their backs. I was a child once, and I know what it feels like to be a vulnerable child. Whoever gives a child a hard time, or takes advantage of them, or causes them harm, or leads them astray, I will personally make sure there is serious accountability. Any abuse of children gets my attention, and I’ll make sure they pay the price come judgment day. I identify so closely with children that when you respect and receive a child, that’s the same as welcoming me. When you open your arms to receive a child, you’d better open them a little wider, because I will be right there with you.