THE GREATEST IN GOD'S KINGDOM

1 AT THAT TIME THE DISCIPLES CAME TO JESUS, SAYING, “WHO THEN IS GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 THEREFORE WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF AS THIS LITTLE CHILD IS THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN."
Matthew 18:1-4 (NKJV)

In our text, disciples were asking, they wanted to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus uses a little child as an illustration in answering the question brought by the disciples.
The answer given to them by Jesus Christ was that whoever humbles himself or herself is the greatest.
This shows to us that humility is a great attribute. The book of Psalms lends or gives credence to this: "BUT THE HUMBLE WILL [at last] INHERIT THE LAND AND WILL DELIGHT THEMSELVES IN ABUNDANT PROSPERITY AND PEACE" (Psalm 37:11 amps).

Why would the humble be the greatest? It would be because of the following vital points:
a. God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).
b. He promotes the humble: "HUMBLE YOURSELVES [feeling very insignificant] IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, AND HE WILL EXALT YOU [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]" (James 4:10 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition). READ: Psalm 147:6;
c. God also guides the humble in justice, that is, to do what is right, and teaches them His way: "HE LEADS THE HUMBLE IN WHAT IS RIGHT, AND THE HUMBLE HE TEACHES HIS WAY. (Psalm 25:9 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

With the buttresses from the above mentioned points and the Scriptural passages, we could concur or come to the same point of view with the Lord Jesus Christ that the humble is the greatest in God's kingdom.
It means a believer who wanted to be great should shun pride and embrace humility, because without it, greatness would be farfetched.

In the same vein, Jesus talks about being converted and become like little children for someone to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).

Why like little children?
Because little children had some qualities that are good which any average believer should emulate or possess in their relationship with God:
A. Little children are quick to believe and they believe all things, which is an attribute of God kind of love: "LOVE . . . BELIEVES ALL THINGS . . . " (1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV).
If you told a child that you are going to get something for him or her, they have believed it. Likewise, God expects such a faith from any average believer in their relationship with Him. This attribute is one of the characteristics of God kind of love as earlier said.

B. Little children do not keep the record of evil done to them. They are quick to forgive and forget and overlook. This attribute, being quick to forgive, is one of the key characteristics of God kind of love: "LOVE DOES NOT COUNT UP WRONGS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE" (1 Corinthians 13:5 New Century Version).

C. Children heart are tender and they are pliable—they are bendy. It is when they are growing up that they learn and copy negative things they see other people doing. But at their younger age, they are bendable and correctable.
In a believer's relationship with God, God wants the believer to be pliable or bendable and correctable.
Someone with a tender heart who easily changes or obeys when corrected or directed. This attribute is a byproduct of trust.
Because children trusted their parents, whatever they are told by their parents, they easily believe It.

A minister
A pastor was sharing about her little daughter, he said her daughter told him, Daddy buy an aeroplane. The father said which type, the type I see flying in the sky. The father said he would buy one and she believes it. Though the man has about two cars but he does not have the money to buy an aeroplane, but the daughter believes it. That is trust. Children do have faith in their parents that they can do anything; protect them from someone bullying them, buy whatever they want for them. It is when they are growing up they get to know that their parents do not have the capacity to do all things.

In a believer's relationship with God, He wants our trust and faith in Him to be like that of little children.
• Unlike our earthly fathers and mothers who are limited in what they could do or provide for us, our heavenly Father is able to do all things If we put our faith and trust in Him (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17).
• Thus, Jesus says, whoever would make heaven would have to be converted and be like little children in his or her faith, trust, and tenderheartedness—in his or her feeling or showing of love (Matthew 18:3).

You will not fail in Jesus' name.
Should there be any ailment in your body I declare your healing in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
The affliction will not rise the second time in Jesus' mighty name.
Peace.

STEPS TO SALVATION
• Take notice of this:
IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).
a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).
b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).
c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

• If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based 1 in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!