Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 5 May 2024
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 18

Subject: “Who is the greatest?”

INTRODUCTION

1. Pre-occupation with standing

2. Obsession with greatness

3. A perennial problem

1At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Matthew 18:1-5

1. The question of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus

“Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Matthew 18:1

a) They had seen the Lord Jesus at work

b) They had seen His power and glory

c) Yet, the Disciples raised the question about “greatness!”

2. The profound answer of the Lord Jesus Christ

a) He called a child to Himself

b) This child was going to become an illustration to the disciples

3. The most important thing to bear in mind

a) To be converted

b) To be like little children

c) Entrance into the kingdom of heaven!

4. The significance of Humility

a) A little child is not filled with a desire for worldly stature

b) He does vie with others to be the greatest

c) To be truly “greatest” is not to have the desire to be the greatest

5. Things many crave for:

a) Position

b) Power

c) Fame/ Name

d) Recognition

e) Adulation

f) Glory

6. The humblest of ministry

a) To receive a child in the name of the Lord Jesus

b) To receive a child is to receive the Lord Jesus!

c) People who have developed ministries to care for children:

i) Amy Carmichael

ii) C.H. Spurgeon

iii) George Muller

iv) George Whitefield

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To seek humility

2. To serve humbly

3. To never seek worldly fame or glory