Become Like Children

September 27, 2017

DAILY READING

Matthew 18:1-5

This week’s sermon text:

FIELD NOTES

I think we all have some area of insecurity in our lives. In our Matthew passage, the disciples question Jesus, “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” It appears that the disciples want to confirm their own significance in the eyes of Jesus.

Humility is often a tough lesson; it’s a hard topic to teach too. As I study what it means to feel humble, I often feel convicted about by own actions! I find that I learn the most about humility when I experience something and it causes me to be humbled before God and others. If you find yourself praying to grow in humility, you’ll likely soon go through something challenging that causes you to experience humility in your life! Be careful with what you pray for!

In response to the disciples’ question, Jesus directs our attention to a child to know what it means to be humble. Children teach us what it means to trust others, to look at the world with awe and wonder, and to live unpretentiously. Ultimately, in the first century where children had very low social status, Jesus is reminding us to welcome the most unlikely people, the least of these.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• When was the last time you felt insecure about who you are or your role (at work, on a team, in a group you are a part of, in your family, etc.)?
• When was the last time you experienced humility? What did you learn about yourself and God from that experience?
• Who do you know that might feel excluded or who is difficult to work with, but needs your ‘welcome’? Find ways to include and encourage them this week.

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What does Jesus teach us about status and worth?
• This week, look for those who seem excluded, alone, or sad and find a way to include or encourage them.

Prayer Guide

God, I thank you for humbling yourself in the form of a human and walking this earth. In Jesus Christ, we see the way to live and treat others. May I consider others better than myself this week and extend a word or gesture of welcome and acceptance to those in need. Where I feel less than and unwelcomed, may I also experience your overwhelming love and grace. Amen.