IN CHAPTER 18 the disciples come to Jesus and ask Him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” This draws out His further teachings on the kingdom and the Church. The Lord sets a little child in their midst and tells them that they must be converted, or born again, and become as little children to enter into the kingdom of heaven. To humble oneself as a little child was the way to become greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord Jesus, though ever conscious of His glory, on earth took the place of a little child in humility. This was entirely opposed to Jewish thoughts of greatness. In the last chapter the Lord has shown us our place as sons of glory, here He is teaching us that humility that becomes us as well.
The Lord goes on to say, “Whosoever shall receive one such little child in My name” shall be counted as receiving Himself. But He then warns about offending one of these little ones that believe in Him, to turn them aside from following Him. If one did offend one of these little ones, it were better for him that a millstone were hung about his neck and he were drowned in the sea. These little ones are the special objects of the Father’s care. They were not to be despised, “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” It does not say that they are innocent; every child is born with a fallen nature, but the Lord Jesus went to the cross that they might be saved. He does not speak here as He does in Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) — “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” There He is speaking of those of a more mature fallen nature. He has to seek such.
Then we have the beautiful story of the lost sheep. The shepherd leaves the ninety and nine, who have not the sense of being lost, and goes after the lost one. He rejoices more over it than over the others. How beautifully He adds: “Even so it is not the will 9f your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” It is a sweet illustration of the interest of the Father and all heaven in those who work among children.
In verses 15-20 for the second time the Lord in His ministry speaks of the Church, or the assembly. With Himself in the midst, it was to occupy the place He had with them during the years of His earthly ministry. Since He was to be no longer present, it was a place where difficulties arising among His people should be settled. “If thy brother trespass against thee...” A case of personal trespass is mentioned, and a course is laid out whereby the offending brother might be gained, and set right. In the spirit of love he was to go to the brother and tell him his fault, and seek to win him. If this failed he was to take one or two witnesses and go to his brother again. Perhaps in their presence he might be humbled and thus gained. But if these means are of no avail and the offending one manifests a willful spirit, refusing to listen to the entreaties given in the presence of witnesses, then — and not till then — was the matter to be brought to the attention of the assembly. There are then entreaties and admonitions by the assembly, and if not received he is to be regarded as a heathen — afar from God; and a publican — who uses his position in the world for personal gain, without considering the cause of righteousness.
ML-10/21/1962