Rashad burden
The Greatest Family
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ne of the greatest gifts and challenges is family. There are those who value nothing above the ones who have the same blood flowing through their veins. Others experience trauma at the hands of the ones entrusted to have their best interest at heart. Jesus declared that those who are like children will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. They are His family, part of the family of God. Join us as we explore who makes up The Greatest Family.
Read Matthew 18:1; Matthew 20:20; James 4:10
The disciples have asked an interesting question. They are wondering how high their status will be in the kingdom of Heaven. This question has caused problems for them, and can do the same with us. Has the desire for recognition or a high position here and now ever caused problems? How so? Share with us here at Message on Social Media using #MessageMag.
Read Matthew 18:2
I don’t know where they were but can we visualize the sequence of events? Disciples talk amongst each other. They muster up the courage to ask Jesus about the level they will be on when the kingdom is built. Jesus doesn’t respond. He looks around and calls a kid to the group. He then tells the group that if you want to be on a high level, you’ll need to be more like this child. There is no recorded response. What do you think the disciples thoughts were?
Read Matthew 18:3
The family unit often revolves around children. As you read this, maybe there’s a child that comes to mind. Mabye you give anything and everything for your children. We focus our efforts so much to make sure their imaginations and energy is engaged. Here Jesus elevates that period of life, making it a prerequisite to entering the kingdom. Why? Do you have any ideas? We’d love to hear them! #MessageMag
Read Matthew 18:4; Philippians 2:5; Romans 12:2
If the idea of childlikeness as a prerequisite for gaining heaven wasn’t enough, Jesus then prescribed intentionality. Seek and take positions of humility. Apologize first. Volunteer often. Be slow to speak, quick to listen, and somehow, enjoy life anyhow. Has following Jesus ever felt like you have to get the short-end of the stick? Share it with us, you’d be surprised that you’re not alone in that feeling. #MessageMag
Read Matthew 18:4; Philippians 2:1-5
The irony of Jesus’ assertion to become as a little child is that the promised result is “greatness.” I don’t know if His idea of greatness is the same as ours. The last time I checked, greatness is rising above, not stooping below. It’s as if Jesus wants the Kingdom to be comprised of people who are fun-loving, considerate, and who are willing to learn to be selfless. Doesn’t Jesus know that humans don’t work like that? Why is Jesus selling a dream?
Read Revelation 3:18
The difficulty in experiencing what Jesus has taught here is that everyone has a reason to look out for themselves first. If anything, the culture we are surrounded by subtlety conveys that being distrustful and guarded is the healthy way to navigate life. The problem with that mindset is that it doesn’t allow the follower of Jesus to have fun, and be present the way a child does almost naturally. A family of children wouldn’t be perfect but it would squeeze every bit of enjoyment out of life without the pretenses we gain as adults
Read Matthew 18:5 ; Revelation 14:1
Children love being around children. When I go somewhere with my son, a common question he asks is “are there going to be other kids there?” Kids are often gifted with quickly welcoming other kids to join whatever they are doing. Jesus says that if you welcome the childlike ones you have welcomed Him. Maybe the family of God would benefit from not being so grown-up. Instead, by learning from our children we may be able to become The Greatest Family.
Rashad Burden is the senior pastor of the 31st Street Church in San Diego California.