📖 Passage

Matthew 18:1–14
Read Matthew 18:1–14 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Following the temple tax incident, the disciples ask Jesus who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven — revealing their lingering pride and misunderstanding of kingdom values. Jesus uses a child as a living illustration of humility and dependence, declaring that greatness in His kingdom comes from lowering oneself, not exalting oneself. He warns against causing believers — especially "little ones" — to stumble and underscores the seriousness of sin. The section ends with the parable of the lost sheep, showing the Father's relentless pursuit of those who wander.

🌿 Key Themes

• Humility as Greatness – The greatest in God's kingdom is the humblest.
• Childlike Faith – Dependent trust is essential for salvation and kingdom life.
• Severe Warning Against Offense – Causing others to stumble is a grave sin.
• Relentless Shepherd – God seeks the straying sheep with joy and compassion.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 18:1–4 – Who is Greatest?

"Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

• Revealed Pride – The disciples still view the kingdom in terms of status.
• Turning Point – True discipleship begins with humility and repentance.
• Childlike Model – Dependence, trust, and lack of status-seeking define kingdom greatness.

Matthew 18:5–6 – Receiving and Not Offending the Little Ones

"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me."

• Welcoming the Lowly – Serving the least is serving Christ Himself.
• Severe Warning – Causing a believer to stumble is so serious that Jesus uses the imagery of a millstone — a shocking, unmistakable picture of judgment.

Matthew 18:7–9 – Woe to the World for Temptations

"If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."

• Inevitable Temptations – Sin's presence in the world brings trials, but personal responsibility remains.
• Radical Action – Removing causes of sin, however costly, is necessary for eternal life.
• Eternal Consequences – Jesus contrasts life in the kingdom with eternal fire, showing the seriousness of sin.

Matthew 18:10–14 – The Parable of the Lost Sheep

"It is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."

• Heavenly Perspective – Angels behold the Father's face, indicating divine care for His people.
• Pursuing Love – The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one that has strayed.
• Restoring Joy – Heaven rejoices more over one restored than over many who never wandered.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Spurgeon notes on humility: "Humility is the proper estimate of oneself in the sight of God." On the lost sheep, he writes, "The Shepherd's heart is not content until the last wanderer is gathered in." These truths remind us that the kingdom is built on grace, not personal merit.

🧩 Review Questions

1. What prompted the disciples to ask about greatness in the kingdom?
2. How does becoming like a child relate to entering the kingdom of heaven?
3. Why does Jesus use such strong imagery about causing others to stumble?
4. What does the parable of the lost sheep teach about God's heart toward the straying?
5. How do humility and holiness work together in kingdom living?

🔍 Definitions

• Millstone – A large, heavy stone used for grinding grain; here symbolizing an unbearable burden of judgment.
• Stumble – To cause spiritual harm or lead into sin.
• Childlike Faith – Trusting dependence on God without self-assertion.
• Parable – A short, symbolic story used to teach spiritual truths.

🙋 Application Questions

1. In what areas of life do you need to adopt more childlike humility?

2. How can you protect others from stumbling in their walk with Christ?

3. What "hands" or "feet" in your life may need to be cut off to avoid sin?

4. Who in your life might be a "lost sheep" God is calling you to pursue in love?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) – "To humble, make low."
• μικρός (mikros) – "Little, small," often used metaphorically for those of low status.
• σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō) – "To cause to stumble or sin."
• ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi) – "To destroy, perish, lose."

📚 Cross References

• Philippians 2:3–4 – Count others more significant than yourself.

• 1 Peter 5:5–6 – Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.

• Luke 15:3–7 – Parallel parable of the lost sheep.

• Romans 14:13 – Decide never to put a stumbling block in another's way.

• Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 18:15–35