“It was at this time that the disciples came to Jesus with the question, “Who is really greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to his side and set him on his feet in the middle of them all. “Believe me,” he said, “unless you change your whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. It is the man who can be as humble as this little child who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4 JBP
What Is The Kingdom Of Heaven And What Is It Like?
- The King of the kingdom of heaven is a humble King
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NASB
- The kingdom of Heaven is an upside-down kingdom
Matthew 5-7
- The kingdom of Heaven is for the humble
“Believe me,” he said, “unless you change your whole outlook and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Vs.3
How Does The Kingdom Of Heaven Measure Greatness?
- Humility over pride
“It is the man who can be as humble as this little child who is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Vs.4
“People who make themselves great will be humbled; and people who humble themselves will become great.” Matthew 23:12 NTFE
- Serving over being served
“Jesus called them to him. “You know how it is in the pagan nations,” he said. “Think how their so-called rulers act. They lord it over their subjects. The high and mighty ones boss the rest around. But that’s not how it’s going to be with you. Anyone who wants to be great among you must become your servant. Anyone who wants to be first must be everyone’s slave. Don’t you see? The son of man didn’t come to be waited on. He came to be the servant, to give his life ‘as a ransom for many.’ ” Mark 10:42-45 NTFE
MEGAN: PUT THE PIC THAT SAYS BOSS VS LEADER HERE
- Self-denial over selfishness
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 NASB 95
- Last over first
“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Matthew 19:30 NASB 95
“But many at the front will find themselves at the back, and the back ones at the front.” Matthew 19:30 NTFE
- Action over apathy
Luke 10:30-37