Man has wanted to be first since the beginning of time. Even the disciples asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
How could they ask such a question? Wouldn’t they think Jesus is the answer?
But people have always strived to be recognized for their importance whether it is winning a sport’s race, a position in the business world, or an academic accomplishment.
Think about this for a minute. Could you name who won the Olympic gold medal in any sport for the year 2000 or the Nobel Peace Prize for 1990? I’m sorry but I can’t. Our success comes and goes and is buried with us when we leave this world. Only what is done for Christ lives on.
In answer to the disciples’ question, Jesus took a little child and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-5).
THINK ABOUT IT
God wants us to be child-like in nature, not childish. He wants us to trust Him as a child trusts his parents. He provides for our needs, forgives us of our sins and gives us eternal life. It’s all ours for the asking. God loved the world so much He gave His only son to be our sacrifice for sin, because the wages of sin is death. Jesus paid for our sins with His life, but death could not hold Him. He rose from the grave so we would have eternal life. That is amazing love!
PRAY ABOUT IT
Thank you, Father God, for Jesus, and thank you for the salvation He accomplished for us. I pray for readers today who maybe have not experienced your amazing love. Please send your spirit on those who are searching and help them to find the truth, the truth that will set them free, free to love you and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 