Matt. 18
The disciples expected Jesus soon to rule over all people, and they asked Him who would be greatest in His kingdom. Before Jesus answered, He called a little child to come to Him, and set the child where all could see it. Then He told the men that none would be in His kingdom except they became like he little child.
Perhaps that seems a strange answer, for we know no one can become a child over again: but Jesus was making His meaning plain. They knew what a little child was like; it believes whatever it is old. And Jesus meant that the people in His kingdom must believe God’s words, just as the child believes what it is told. A little child is not proud, but the men were thinking of a place of honor. Jesus said those who were humble as the child, would have the place of honor: the humble, not the proud, would be great.
This shows that Jesus knew children, and He also said there is a place before God for them. But they will be there because Jesus came to save them. He called Himself “The Son of Man”, a humble name, because Be had become a man to die. And here He said,
“The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost.”
He told them this story: “What think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine in the wildeess, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?”
Even the youngest child has a nature that is lost to God, and helpless as the sheep lost on the mountains, yet Jesus said,
“It is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (To perish, means to be always “lost” from God). Jesus was the Good Shepherd who came to save thy lost, by giving His life for them.
While Jesus was on earth, those who loved Him, both young and old, could see Him and be with Him. But He knew He would soon return to Heaven, and they could not see Him. He told them these words,
“Where two or three are gathered to gether in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.”
When we hear the name of one we know, we think of that person; so to come together in the Name of Jesus would he to think of Who He is, and of all He has done. If a ruler sends a messenger in his name”, it means the ruler has given authority and instruction for whatever is done. So those who meet in the Name of the Lord, are to do as His word directs, and to His honor. Boys and girls who love the Lord Jesus, may come together with older people “in His Name’’. Although they cannot see Hini as the diiples did, yet He said He would be “in their midst.”
ML 07/18/1943