Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 18:4

We are more dependent than we often know. And Jesus insisted that these independent-thinking, great disciples humble themselves in order to be great! That’s a hard move. They carry a lot of baggage from years of independence. It’s a miracle that any of us humble ourselves. Amazing grace!

And isn’t it very compelling for believing that God truly exists in that he loves and cares for children, that he warns those who would cause them to stumble, that it is his nature to go after straying sheep by way of other sheep (and the gathered sheep) in church discipline, and that he demands forgiveness.

Chapter 18 in Matthew is nearly a complete picture of what the Christian life looks like!

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalms 23