Missing the Big Picture (Matthew 18:1-5)

The Super Bowl is one of television's great viewing events. As exciting the game may be, the ads have taken on a life of their own. In fact, many people pay more attention to the ads than the game itself. Even if the game is unexciting, the ads would not exist if the game did not exist first. And just like the ads overshadowing the the game, we sometimes miss the point about following Jesus.

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.
Matthew 18:1-5

In this passage, Jesus was reminding His disciples that they are missing the entire point about following Him. It is not about the healings, authority or even positions of leadership amongst Jesus' followers. It is not about your position in life with others, it is about your position in life with God. It is all about your attitude toward God. A young child has no ulterior motive except to seek approval, love, and comfort from their father. Jesus was instructing His disciples that we must have a similar heart. We must come before God with no selfish motives about trying to get ahead in this world, or make more friends, or do well in school or our jobs. We must first come with a humble attitude that Jesus will take care of everything so long as we trust Him first.

How easy and difficult this is to do! But how wonderful and profound it is when we truly stop and ponder the words of Jesus.

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.