A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

HUMBLE TRUSTFULNESS     

Matthew 18:1-5 “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” 

By the time of today’s devotional verses, the disciples had been with Jesus for some time. At least twice during that time Jesus had taken only three of them with Him at which time He was revealed to them in all His glory. On a number of occasions Peter is singled out for Jesus’ special attention such as his walking on the water and Jesus charging him with catching a fish that would provide the temple tax.   

The disciples were sinful human beings. Jesus was aware they had been discussing which of them would be greater in His kingdom. They are still expecting Jesus to establish His Messianic kingdom here on earth. They hoped they would be given positions of prominence and importance.   

Jesus, in genuine concern for His disciples, called them together to teach them a lesson. Once assembled, Jesus brought a young child into their midst and used it to discuss with them His kingdom. The child had done nothing to be called by Jesus. Jesus called because He chose to do so. There was nothing special about the child. 

The child, being a child, came only because he trusted Jesus, was comfortable with His attention, and had no specific expectations. Lenski, in his commentary on Matthew’s gospel states, “. . . childlikeness . . .is the nature of children who possess nothing but need everything; to earn nothing but receive everything as a gift . . . a king’s child plays with a beggar’s child, and neither feels above the other or beneath the other.” 

The focus of a Christian is upon Jesus, not upon self. The hymn writer wrote in his well-known hymn Rock of Ages, “ . . . nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” 

Prayer: Create in me a pure heart, O Lord, and a right spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lord, it belongs not to my care   
Whether I die or live;  
To love and serve Thee is my share,   
And this Thy grace must give. 

If life be long, I will be glad   
That I may long obey;  
If short, yet why should I be sad   
To soar to endless day? 

Christ, leads me through no darker rooms   
Than He went through before;  
He that unto God’s kingdom comes   
Must enter by this door. 

Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet  
Thy blessed face to see;  
For if Thy work on earth be sweet,  
What will Thy glory be! 

Then shall I end my sad complaints  
And weary, sinful days  
And join with the triumphant saints  
Who sing my Savior’s praise. 

My knowledge of that life is small,  
The eye of faith is dim;  
But ‘tis enough that Christ knows all,  
And I shall be with Him.  

Lord, It Belongs Not to My Care // LSB 757