In Matthew’s Gospel, we can see Jesus demonstrate real concern for the ‘little ones’ of the Kingdom. After all Jesus has already said to the disciples – about who he is, the Kingdom and his mission – they still have time, it seems, to argue about who is the ‘greatest in the Kingdom’. Jesus makes it apparent to them: Look at things the opposite way around, turn it all inside out. Don’t think it is all of about power or position, age or even wisdom. Whatever you think it is – the opposite is true in God’s Kingdom. If you welcome the child, you also welcome him and God, but if you don’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child you won’t ever really enter it. Jesus is clear that disciples should be like a child – show humility, willingness to learn, and not stray too far from the Kingdom of God or its values. If they do, they should not take others with them, leading them astray, as this is a mortal sin and contrary to the purpose of the Kingdom. In this example of the ‘little ones’ in Matthew 18 Jesus is talking about children in particular, of course: but also, all those who are powerless, vulnerable, at risk in our world – and those who are still developing in their faith. Once we recognise the ‘little ones’ around us, we may want to be more like them and avoid causing others to stumble, with their faith. The purpose of the Kingdom is that important after all.
Mark
Focus Questions
*In what ways can you be more like a child in your attitude to God and the Kingdom today?
*How do we, as a church community, help the ‘little ones’ in their lives and faith rather than be a stumbling block to them?
