Matthew 18:1-5 NRSVue
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child, whom he put among them, 3and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Lord, you saw something in this child that you want to see in me: the
capacity to wonder at the world, its smells and taste and sounds and sights;
and a readiness to depend on others rather than be full of myself; and above
all, a trust in you as my Father, for whom my destiny is all-important. Give
me that childlike confidence in your love.
Reflection
Jesus points to the tiniest child in the crowd and encourages us to be like
that -in that culture, as in many cultures, the child had no influence,
status or control over life. All was dependent on the parent and on the
community. He is both pointing out something about how we live our lives, and
also about accepting the most humble of people into the community. We are
members of Jesus' family, community and church by virtue just of who we are,
before any achievements. Maybe in prayer we might notice what gives us a buzz
or a sense of importance about ourselves and put this beside the picture of
children, who know that all they have is the gift of others and of God.
Reflection
Jesus told the disciples to change and become humble like children. How? We
cannot regain our youth, inexperience, or innocence. But we can learn to put
our ego in its place, to stop pushing ourselves forward, hogging the
conversation. We can learn to be happy in the background, no longer the
centre of attention or striving to be the greatest. To be comfortable in that
role is a huge grace.
Reflection
The big sign of God is in the life, works and words of Jesus Christ. The
people wanted more bread, more miracles. The bread of Capernaum is not just
flour and water - it is the word and love of God in Jesus. This work is in
each of us too - God's work is our faith. Let our prayer be a desire to
believe more deeply - ‘Lord I believe, strengthen my belief'.