Articles
Being Like A Child, Matthew 18
Matthew chapter 18 begins with Jesus calling a child over and placing the child among the
disciples as a sort of talking point, an example for the disciples to learn from. Jesus delivers
several lessons to his disciples using the child as an example. Let us look briefly at the lessons
that Jesus taught.
Lesson 1: We must change. Jesus tells the disciples that “We must become like a child”
(Matthew 18:3). In order to be a Christian, we must change. Our old life must be done away
with.
Lesson 2: In verse 4, He tells us we are to become humble, “Lowly”, like the child He
places in their midst. Being humble or having the aspects of a servant are discussed in several
passages. The Bible says “We will be a slave either to sin or righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18).
Lesson 3: Fellowship with other Christians. Jesus tells the disciples that “We must welcome
each other as if we were welcoming Jesus himself” (Matthew 18:5).
Lesson 4: We must avoid leading others into sin. We see Jesus describing the dangers of sin
and how we need to do everything in our power to avoid leading “those who believe in Me - to
stumble” (Matt.18: 6-7).
Lesson 5: We must avoid sin. Jesus goes on to say in verse 8 and 9 that we must do
everything we can to avoid sin in our own life.
Lesson 6: Don’t look down on our fellow Christians. Remember your roots. Don’t look
down on your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We were all lost at one time and we all
struggle with sin. God wants all of us to be saved.
Lesson 7: God cares for us. God is concerned about each and every one of us. “In the same
way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew
18: 12-14)
