Matt. 18:1-4 – The question from the disciples regarding who would be the greatest in the Kingdom will have to be addressed by Jesus on more than one occasion. On this occasion He uses a child as an object lesson, helping the disciples to recognize a quality of the heart that is necessary in following Jesus . . . humility. No one can come to Jesus in pride. Pride speaks to the desire of man to rule, to subjugate, to control. Humility is the quality of willingly subjecting oneself to the needs of another. But there must be a conversion first and one must “become” like a child. One of the hardest things for a leader to do is lead with humility. It even sounds antithetical, but this is the Kingdom of heaven, not an earthly dominion.
Matt. 18:5-10 –Jesus now turns His attention toward the welfare of the new disciples in His Kingdom which He calls “children.” Our work, our goal is to “receive them.” To receive a “little one” means to care for them, help them to maturity, and bring them up like a loving parent. This takes great attention because you do not want to create a situation where the new convert stumbles over your actions or your judgments. The repercussions of such is disastrous for both the “little one” and the mentor discipler. Vss. 8 and 9 are Jesus’ hyperbolic way of saying, “Do everything you must to keep yourself from stumbling or sinning in front of a little one.” Someone who lacks strength, who may be a new convert, may follow your lead. And never resent the labor it takes to care for one of these little ones. They have powerful angels watching over them who regularly have an audience with the eternal Father on His majestic throne.