Lesson 3193

 (Lesson 3193)(09-29-20) Matthew 18:1-6

    “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus was asked, “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”; After which He said, “Except ye BE CONVERTED, and become AS (or as clear minded as) little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” That DID NOT mean that one must become a literal child in order to enter the kingdom. What Jesus said in effect, is that one must simply erase all prior religious beliefs and be willing to accept Jesus alone as the ONLY redeemer of souls and remitter of sins.

    After He had put a small child on His knee, Jesus went further to say that, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Therefore, in order to become a part of the Kingdom of heaven, (the church), one must give up all idols and isms. A belief that the ritual of water baptism is a pre-requisite part of one’s eternal salvation is just such and idol.

    In the final part of the quote, Jesus said, “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” 

    Again, the reference to the “little child”, while maintaining the context wherein the lesson is written, is a reference to any person who has humbled him/herself and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. In my opinion, what Jesus said is not a reference to a literal child. Therefore, the condemnation Jesus promised is meant for anyone who would offend any child of God.~