The Politics of Jesus
Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 NASB
Humbles – The Kingdom is for children. We are quick to acknowledge that we need the humility and attitude of a child in order to enter into the Kingdom. But too often we fail to read this verse in its context. We act as though the verse stands alone as some universal requirement for humility (tapeinos). We don’t see that this verse is about a much more insidious issue – my evaluation of my own importance.
How important are you? Eighty percent of people believe they are above average. That gives us an indication of our self-delusions. The same mistake occurred among Yeshua’s followers. The context of this object lesson is the disciples’ question, “Who is the greatest among us?” In other words, they wanted to know who would take over after Yeshua died. Who would be the next movement leader? Who would attract the attention? Who would carry on the ministry? Who would do the teaching? Who would perform the miracles? Who would be the most important?
Go back and read verse 1 in this chapter. “At that time,” says Matthew. At what time? At the time following Yeshua’s announcement that He would go to Jerusalem to die. You’ll notice that He also says “and rise again on the third day.” But the disciples pay no attention to this “impossible” claim. They are far more interested in carrying on the ministry after He is gone. And to do that, they need Him to tell them who is important.
Yeshua provides the answer. “Look at this child.” We focus on the word tapeinos (humility) and think that Yeshua is speaking about the importance of lack of pride. We should be focusing on meizon (greater). That’s the issue at hand.
How is a child greater? The answer is not found in the actual behavior of a child but in an adult’s perception of a child. Adults see that a child doesn’t strive to take over. Adults believe that a child should accept his or her place under the authority. Adults think a child should go where he is told to go. Adults expect a child to follow the guidance of her parents. Tapeinos is related to meizon through the perception of expected behavior. A child doesn’t concern himself with his own importance. He doesn’t vie for position. A child does what he is told to do (at least that is the expectation).
Who is important in the Kingdom? The one who, like a child, leaves the question of importance to someone else. Who is important? The one who does what he is asked to do without regard to status. Who is important? The one who defers to another’s leading.
How important are you? Ask those around you if you act like a child.
Topical Index: greatest, meizon, humility, tapeinos, child, Matthew 18:4
Trusted or trusting; which is greater? Understood or understanding; which is most effective?
The answer has as much to do about direction as it does faith and revelation. Desires to be trusted and understood exempt me from childhood. My gaze motion has shifted and I’ve become the focal point.
Trusted or trusting; which is greater? Understood or understanding; which is most effective? BOTH FOR SURE…
SAY WHAT?!?!?!
Desires to be trusted and understood exempt me from childhood. My gaze motion has shifted and I’ve become the focal point.
jan
Jan,
Think about a child’s perspective of life. They don’t ask to be trusted or understood. They seek to understand and easily trust others. It not only defines them, but it distinguishes them from adults. For a child their gaze is upon those who provide direction. They look to others for the answers.
Roderick, I see now what you are/were saying about – why wanting to understand & be understood exempts you for childhood – but i did desire to be understood & understand when i was a child perhaps not to the extent of an adult but i did. Perhaps the age of a child may factor in also. A very small child age 1 to 3 or 4 but past that & you get the thinking processes going – you want to understand & be understood. I didn’t want to wear two different color socks – i wanted them to match – i understood matching was good (in my perception) & couldn’t understand why my mother didn’t?!?!?! Different personalities factor into this also…
Perhaps if my gaze had shifted to me as a focal point – i may have accomplished more in life than i have – seems it has never been about me – was not allowed that luxury!!! AND – i am a very strong willed person/child & i still didn’t get/have my way in life (imagine that)!!!
“How is a child greater? The answer is not found in the actual behavior of a child but in an adult’s perception of a child. Adults see that a child doesn’t strive to take over.” [my parents would have disagreed here – they thought i was trying to take over & did sometimes but was stilled ruled with an iron rod of control & abuse – i was subjugated but fighting for control to be me/myself/have an identity].
” Adults believe that a child should accept his or her place under the authority. Adults think a child should go where he is told to go. Adults expect a child to follow the guidance of her parents. Tapeinos is related to meizon through the perception of expected behavior. A child doesn’t concern himself with his own importance. He doesn’t vie for position. A child does what he is told to do (at least that is the expectation).” [not necessarily – not in really dysfunctional settings/families – sometimes if a child does not concern himself with his own importance he may not survive – this would sound true & work in a loving non-abusive family & children with siblings are always vying/jockeying for position for sure] – this scenario would work for a child in a loving/submissive upbringing but when you are fighting for your life – this works differently]. Also brings on a relationship with Jesus at a very early age because you know He is the only One who can protect you; therefore it is you & HE very early on… ♥
“Who is important in the Kingdom? The one who, like a child, leaves the question of importance to someone else. Who is important? The one who does what he is asked to do without regard to status. Who is important? The one who defers to another’s leading.” [when you are forced to defer to the only loving Father you have known in life God/Jesus for your life & well being – perhaps you will always be a child in His eyes – there is no “me” & never has been. The world would think this inappropriate for living but perhaps He prefers it that way].
“How important are you? Ask those around you if you act like a child.” [AND even though we are to love ourselves so as to love our neighbors or vice versa – we are to defer/esteem those higher than ourselves – as a loving innocent child to His Father/Mother].
I can truly say that I thank God for my abusive childhood because it drove me into the arms of Jesus at an early age & a dependency that the world would look upon as abnormal. Oh, this journey of love that each of us are on – how wonderful & magnificent are His works… ♥ Again, God’s sovereignty & good in evil…
jan