October 23, 2025

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Chapter 18 of Matthew's account of the gospel, begins with the disciples of Christ wanting to know which of them would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. Oddly enough, this argument is not strange to us. Many of us spend our lives pushing for greatness in the kingdom. However, the writer reveals to us that the answer to the question won't be answered in theory but must come by practice. 

Jesus answers by saying: First, the greatest in the kingdom is open, "whosoever". There is no particular pick for greatness. We all have the same opportunity under God. Secondly, He answers by saying: the greatest in the kingdom is obedient, "shall humble himself as a little child". In order to be great as a citizen of the kingdom, one must be humble. Humility is an act of obedience. Lastly, He answered by saying: the greatest will be obvious, "the same is greatest". It will be obvious because the key to being great in the eyes of the King is dichotomous, “the first shall be last and the last shall be first." No one will Lord over the king, therefore, the greatest in the kingdom will be the greatest subject of the King and not superintendent over others.

Therefore, my Christian friends, in order to be great, we must understand the great paradox of being low to be high. The picture of greatest was before them and is before us in Jesus Christ. Until the next time, may all our prayers be: Lord, lead me to be more like you.

The Prayer: 

Father, help me to be humble, helpful, and more like Him (Christ Jesus) in His name I pray. Amen.

Gardiner L. Sanders, Jr.

Senior Pastor

Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church

870-866-3848

I would love to here from you. Text me at 870-866-3848 if this devotional ministry has been a blessing in your life.

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https://mercyseatmbc.org/index.php/church-services/ 

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