Sermon On the Net

A LITTLE CHILD

 

Matthew 18: Jesus explains to the disciples that a person must have the innocence of a child to get into heaven. Verse 3 says, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Anyone causing harm to a child has a problem. Jesus tells them that many things must come into the world that are not good, but necessary. These things will cause people to sin, but the one (satan) who is responsible will suffer. Jesus further explains, using parable’s, the importance of avoiding all things that could cause one to sin.

 

Jesus tells them to never look down on a child because their angels in heaven are watching over them. The parable of the one lost sheep is used by Jesus to explain the importance of one lost soul; in this situation, a child.

 

Jesus then explains how to handle a situation with a brother who has sinned; talk to him privately and if that doesn’t help, take another brother or two and if that doesn’t help then they should inform the church. If this corrective action isn’t heeded by the brother, then he should be treated as a pagan or tax collector. Jesus emphasizes the fact that He is giving them powers to exercise on earth that will be backed up in Heaven. In verses 19-20: “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am with them.”

 

Jesus uses another parable to explain the importance of forgiveness. They must forgive their brother, from the heart, as many times as necessary; “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Remember God has forgiven us and continues to forgive us forever. He tells them they will be treated by the Father as they treat others.

 

A LITTLE CHILD: This is a fine example of how unsaved people need to be to be saved. A child is very trusting and doesn’t need proof for accepting something he knows nothing about. He looks to his parents and accepts what they say without question, and then later in life they will realize the importance of their obedience. This is exactly the way it is with the acceptance of Jesus. Our Father in Heaven is telling us that His Son is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and we are to accept His sacrifice (a free gift to us) as the means of payment for sin. When we take that step in faith, as a child, we are born again (of the Spirit) and will gain entrance to Heaven when the time for our departure from this life comes. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Are you? If not pray to Jesus and tell Him you accept His sacrificial gift and become a member of God’s family. I’d love to see you all in Heaven. Amen to that.