Today's Scripture
Matthew 18: 1 – 5 My Daughter’s Example
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a child, whom he put among them, 3 and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
RJ's Devotion
What the passage says
V. 1 The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in heaven?
V. 2-4 Jesus then invites a child to the center and says that whoever is like a child will enter into heaven. Putting a spin on their question, because they all were, somehow, confident of getting in.
V. 5 Then he says, ‘whoever welcomes such child, in my name, welcomes me (Jesus).’ We are called to take care of the weak and the simple.
What does the passage mean to me/us?
It is so hard to think like a child.
Many times, I am surprised on the perspective of a child. Of course, most of the time, they will need more education and directions. However, there are times that we are able to see life in a different way, because of that ‘childlike perspective.’
Jesus is saying that we need a childlike faith, in order to inherit the kingdom. In the Message, Jesus says, “that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in” (v. 3 The Message).
We need to return back to the basic of faith. Sometimes our experiences can hinder us from thoroughly understanding the grace that comes from our Lord. Once we lose that ‘childlike faith’ believing that seem like a religious act that we perform out of habit or obligation.
There are more to a life that God calls. If we reclaim a ‘childlike faith,’ wouldn’t we be able to experience ‘the kingdom come on earth, as it is in heaven?’
Prayer
Lord, may your will be done through our lives. Help us to reclaim a child like faith.
In Christ Name, we pray, AMEN
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