Matthew 18:1-4, “gaining biblical humility – pt 2″ [Listen]

Jesus was skilled in using everyday situations and objects to teach profound truth. A tiny mustard seed growing into a large tree showed his listeners God’s vision for reclaiming humanity. Yeast became analogous to the easily spread hypocrisy of the religious leaders. A grape vine illustrated how godly fruit must come from those who are attached to Jesus. As we read about teaching moments like these, it’s easy to be confused. Many of Jesus’ truths are foreign to our experience and disposition, AND the illustration itself can create another layer of mystery and discussion.

One of these moments presented itself as the disciples discussed God’s sure and soon delivery of his people from outside domination. While others may have doubted, the disciples seemed convinced of Jesus’ identity in this long awaited rescue – he was the Messiah. This change and the resulting new kingdom would obviously need administration, and since they were the chosen disciples of the One who would usher in this victory, they had questions about their coming responsibilities and positions. How will all this work? What will the organizational chart look like? Who will be the greatest?

This seems to be an important moment for the gospel authors. We find reference to it in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In this lesson the very object Jesus uses as a teaching aid will create the desired result. He will do much more than answer their question about “position” – he will help them with an underlying problem – pride. After Jesus is done they will better understand who fits into the coming reality he will establish and who doesn’t. They will feel the distance between themselves and their rabbi.

Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child (Gr – padion, very small child) and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change (turn around, change your ways, reject your current thinking) and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Under the question, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdome of heaven?”, was MUCH MORE than innocent curiosity – this was a play for power, influence, and wealth. This is not the first time this prideful, self-centered, “small” thinking will emerged. Some time later the mother of James and John asks Jesus if her sons can have places of great honor in the Kingdom (Matt 20:20-21). While they saw Jesus as the Messiah they had little understanding of exactly what Jesus was going to create.

Jesus’ response was nothing short of stunning, “Unless you change you will not enter the Kingdom.”

IN THE STORIES OF THE BIBLE WE SEE HUMILITY take root as characters experience God. Here, in the teachings of Jesus we understand humility as a required characteristic of anyone who would actually receive the relationship he would offer. And in Jesus himself we find the breath-taking example of humility we are challenged to follow.

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The thing I struggle with is moving what I profess to know and believe into action. Being self-centered, I often try to embrace the concept of humility while I try to avoid the action that would naturally flow from the embrace. It’s in the action that I measure my understanding. In the action I can see humility, or not.

Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

While being humble has many, many implications, I would like to mention just a few:

• When self becomes the focus, the fulcrum around which life revolves, God’s vision and ability to achieve the vision become my vision – a weak, self-serving, and limited vision. The magnificent crumbles into what we humans can accomplish because now it is about us. Humility understands the power and purpose of God, and our small effort is not enough.
• Humility compels us toward the attitude of Jesus when dealing with those in sin. When we are humbled by, first a glimpse of God’s magnitude, power, authority, and holiness, and then by this God’s kindness to us, we will care like Jesus cared – not the religious leaders of the day.
• Pain – The humble one will embrace God’s promise that God works all things for the good of his children
• Accept the difficult – sexuality
• The humble will live the mission – they will lead by example so others will follow

Humility is a foundational requirement for, not only moving forward in the Christian walk, but for becoming a Christian. Pride and self-centeredness emerge early as tools that help us fit into our society and succeed in life. As is the case with most godly attributes I find humility very difficult. To make matters worse, being humble is vital to being the person God would have me be.

Let’s look at examples of Jesus’ humility:

Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Even though Jesus was the Son of God he had a submissive relationship with the Father

Matthew 3:13-15 (NIV)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

Jesus did not demand we follow, he lead by example

Luke 15:1-2 (NIV)
Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. ² But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Jesus did not “cave” in the face of societal pressure. He humbly followed the mission.

Luke 22:27 (NIV)
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Lead by example

Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!

Humility leads to proper ACTION