BECOME LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN

Matthew 17:24-18:14

Key Verses 18:3-4

³And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

Read 17:24-27. Who came and questioned Peter? How did Peter respond? How did Jesus’ question challenge Peter? How did Jesus encourage him (26b, 27)? 

Although Jesus said that sons are exempt, he still provided a way for Peter to pay their taxes, saying, “But so that we may not offend them…” Yet, at other times what Jesus said offended others (Mat 15:10-14). Why do you think Jesus did not want to offend in this situation? How can we apply Jesus’ example?

Read 18:1. Why do you think the disciples asked Jesus this question? What does their question reveal about their understanding of “greatness”?

Read 18:2-4. How did Jesus respond to them? What warning did he give them in regards to entering the kingdom of heaven? What does it mean to become like a little child? How is Jesus' understanding of greatness different from that of the disciples? 

Why is "greatness" in the kingdom of heaven important (Gen 1:26-28)? How did Jesus set an example in this way? (Philippians 2:3-11) In what way might you need to change or humble yourself to be like a little child?

Read 18:5-9. Who does the “little child” or “little ones” in these verses refer to? What does it mean to “welcome” a little child in Jesus’ name? With what attitude should we struggle to not cause others to sin? Why? How might a wrong understanding of “greatness” lead someone to cause others to sin?

Read 18:10-14. Why must we not look down on others? (10, 14) What standard does Jesus give by which we should see and care for each other? (14)

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