Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Theme: THE CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM

Text: “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.” – Matthew 18:1-3

Comment: While they were still young in the faith, the immediate disciples of Christ were bothered about position and were involved in status-seeking. But Jesus Christ made them to understand that God’s Kingdom operates by different standards. Thus, when they sought to know from him who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God, he called out a little child and explained that the character of the child is the model they should emulate. He added, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) In other words, it is those who humble themselves as to be obedient, teachable, forgiving, sincere, as little children that would be exalted by God. On another occasion he told his disciples, “…whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26, 27) The children of the kingdom should not be fighting one another, to outdo the other, striving to belittle the other so as to shine among people. Rather, they should “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” (Romans 12:10) St. Paul also exhorts: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” – Philippians 2:3.