At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
This account also appears in Mark 9:33-50 and Luke 9:46-50.
This talk may have taken place in Peter’s house, and the child may have been a member of Peter's family, but we aren’t told and so it isn’t important.
Who is greatest - This question reflects the apostle’s confusion after the Lord’s revelation of His approaching death. The kingdom He taught didn’t mesh with their understanding and expectations of what a kingdom should look like — and their lofty roles in it.
turn - from their expectations of exalted positions in the kingdom to humility and faith (Matt 11:11)
This talk may have taken place in Peter’s house, and the child may have been a member of Peter's family, but we aren’t told and so it isn’t important.
Who is greatest - This question reflects the apostle’s confusion after the Lord’s revelation of His approaching death. The kingdom He taught didn’t mesh with their understanding and expectations of what a kingdom should look like — and their lofty roles in it.
turn - from their expectations of exalted positions in the kingdom to humility and faith (Matt 11:11)
"An active and voluntary turning from sin." (Ryrie)
become like children - humble, responsive to Christ’s call to come, obedient, trusting, utterly dependent
become like children - humble, responsive to Christ’s call to come, obedient, trusting, utterly dependent
"The sense if 'whoever humbles himself until he becomes as this little child—exhibiting trust, openness, and eagerness to learn.' These are the childlike qualities that constitute greatness." (Ryrie)
receives = by way of giving hospitality
Their service (v 5) to the King should be service to the humble and meek, not concern for lofty positions.
sin = lit. "cause to stumble"
receives = by way of giving hospitality
Their service (v 5) to the King should be service to the humble and meek, not concern for lofty positions.
sin = lit. "cause to stumble"
"Leads into sin." (Ryrie)
millstone = a great stone that had to be turned by a beast of burden
"The milling of grain was done by grinding it between two stones, each about 18 in. (46 cm.) in diameter and 3-4 inc. (7.6-10.2 cm.) thick. The upper millstone was turned by a donkey walking in a circle." (Ryrie)
millstone = a great stone that had to be turned by a beast of burden
"The milling of grain was done by grinding it between two stones, each about 18 in. (46 cm.) in diameter and 3-4 inc. (7.6-10.2 cm.) thick. The upper millstone was turned by a donkey walking in a circle." (Ryrie)
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