Children at Heart

Jesus said, "The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like this child.

Matthew 18:4

Jesus's disciples were waiting for a response. They had just asked Jesus an important question, one they sincerely wanted an answer to. It wasn't exactly spiritual in nature. It had to do with position and power. The disciples wanted to know who out of the twelve of them would be the greatest in God's kingdom. Jesus answered them by inviting a small child to sit on his lap. That child became an object lesson in how highly God values humility.

When it comes to power and position, children are at the bottom of the pecking order. They are dependent on others to fill almost every need. They are eager to learn, because they recognize their own ignorance and helplessness. They innocently believe everything they are told, and they share their love freely. Their goal isn't to be the best. Their goal is simply to be who they are. This is the kind of humble, authentic response that God desires from his own children.

Jesus's poignant words reveal that God's kingdom is vastly different from earthly kingdoms. In it, servants, not celebrities, are honored. Jesus came to earth to make it possible for God's heavenly kingdom to begin on earth. Take a lesson from the child in Jesus's lap. Go to God fully aware of your need and your dependence on him. That's the starting point for nurturing a childlike, humble heart.

It is good to want to do great things, but only for the right reason - to bring honor to God, not yourself. Let Jesus's words help you weigh your motives anytime you long to be praised.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray to God to give you a humble heart. To love like a child - with full dependency on the Lord's blessings for every breath, every thought, every movement you may take. Let your relationship with God be one of an interconnection held together like the strength of a bungee cord. Although the world may pull you down with intense force of gravity - God will catch you and bounce you back up to the safety of his presence every time. ~ MME Team

Helping Hands, Healing Hearts

I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.

Matthew 25:40

Jesus's disciples questioned him about eternal life and the end of the world. Jesus answered their questions with a series of parables, concluding with one about a herd of sheep and goats for not meeting his needs: leaving him hungry, thirsty, naked, and lonely when he needed their help most. The sheep were commended for doing what the goats did not - and were surprised by their reward. They didn't remember serving the Son of Man. The words of Matthew 25:40 set the record straight. Any time people reach out to help one of God's children in need, they actually minister to God himself. 

This parable is a dialogue between Jesus and the nations of the world, not those who already followed him. That's why the sheep were so amazed. They didn't recognize Jesus or the significance of their actions. They weren't acting out of a desire for reward. They were simply living out God's image in their lives by exhibiting sacrificial love - without even recognizing what they were doing. That truth is why the sheep had a lesson to teach those who already knew God personally.

This parable assumes that those who follow God will be benevolent and that they will automatically treat others as they would treat Jesus. Experience teaches, however, that isn't always the case. When you notice someone in need, recall Jesus's parable. Be a sheep, not only saved, but motivated by God's love and grace.

The parable of the sheep and goats is a reminder of how eternally significant is every act of love. Allow it to help you to more clearly see Jesus in every person you meet.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray to God for grace and mercy for YOU and YOUR HOUSE to serve the Lord; through helping hands to build his kingdom. ~ MME Team