The 18th chapter of Matthew contains a striking instance of the teaching of Jesus couched in very simple yet unmistakable terms.
Evidently the vision which Peter, James and John witnessed on the mount of transfiguration formed the basis of no small discussion among the disciples, for it brought vividly before them the certainty and glory of the Kingdom which was the main theme of their Master’s preaching. The question put to Jesus as recorded in the first verse of this chapter shows that they apprehended in some degree the excellency of the Kingdom and the high office to be administered by Jesus. So, with the memory of the transfiguration scene fresh in their minds they asked, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven ?” Just what reply was expected is difficult to say but they received one which not only indirectly reprimanded, but taught them to view the matter in an altogether different light.
Who Is Greatest ?
Mark’s account of this episode throws a little more light on the question and reveals the proneness of mankind to desire and plan for the pre-eminence among men. We read of it in the 8th chap., ver. 33-34 : “What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way ?—for they had disputed among themselves who should be greatest”. The question which formed the basis of dispute appears to have involved the claim of certain or all of the disciples to what might be termed the deputy leadership. As their Master and Leader it must have been very obvious and beyond question that Jesus was the greatest, but the intention of the question seems to have been to ascertain who among themselves would be next in authority when Jesus went to the Father and they remained to continue the preaching of the Gospel.
It would appear that the disciples at this stage were endeavouring to exalt the man more than the message ; they were thinking more of self than of service. So the reply was given in terms of “self AND service”. Jesus subsequently indicated that it was Peter who was to feed the sheep and the lambs of the `flock of God’ and the opening chapters of the book of Acts show the prominent part he took. With quiet emphasis Jesus demonstrated that personal ability, great though it may be, is not the paramount qualification of a follower of the Lord’ In the answer given by the Master there is a total absence of vain philosophy or involved reasoning which leaves the mind hungry. Jesus called a little child and set him in the midst of them and said, “Whosoever shall humble himself as this child, the same is the greatest”.
We may well imagine the disciples pondering over such a staggering and yet complete answer so simply illustrated. Whatever the qualification which each advanced as supporting his claim to leadership, here was one essential which was quite outside their reckoning—one which all could and must develop if they would even enter into the Kingdom. The question put by the disciples aimed at the exaltation of self : the answer involved the control and developing of it on the principles of the Master’s teaching.
Faith And Works
When the disciples commenced to apply Christ’s answer to their lives they found it was not an easy task to reach the required standard. Take the incident of Peter as recorded in Matt. 14. 28-31. Acting upon the invitation of Jesus, Peter actually walked upon the sea : a remarkable happening’ His companionship with Jesus had not been of long duration, but he had had ample evidence of his Master’s power both in word and deed and this had been the means of developing sufficient faith to convince him that Jesus was indeed the Christ. But it is one thing to believe and declare that we have faith, quite another matter to demonstrate it 1 Peter acted upon his confidence and belief and accomplished the object of his faith, but it was not enduring. When external influences affected him he failed to reach the gospel standard. Declarations of faith and avowals of righteousness may be Isolation all very well and probably engender a feeling of personal satisfaction, but unless one can show faith by works, in other words, give practical effect to the Master’s teaching, then surely one is but sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
The episode recorded in the opening verses of this 18th chapter of Matthew was used by Jesus to impress upon the disciples, and those who followed afterward, that service to God, must be without self glory. We must show that we are really dependent upon the Almighty for the means of living at all, to say nothing of His offer of immortality in the future age. We must trust where we cannot see, and have faith that in due time God will deliver the world and us from the bondage of sin and death.
As we contemplate the actions of a child of tender years who cannot fully express itself, but has to be tended with loving care and reared on proper lines, we see therein illustrated the quality of that relationship which can and must exist between God, and Father of all, and His creatures who are the work of His hands.
With confidence born of years of experience, David says in Psalm 20. 7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses (in modern days we could use the words ‘self and love of possessions’), but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God”.
There may come a time in our life when we will be beyond human aid. That is a cross road which is likely to be met in our journey through life at any time. As we stand at that crossroad, what shall we do ? Abiding faith in God cannot be kept unless there be firm realisation of the true spirit of His Word and, as David puts it “The fear of the Lord”. We should not he continually in a position like the Israelites at Mt. Carmel of halting between two opinions. There should not be any halt at those cross roads of life.
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them”, is the advice of one who spoke with the wisdom and experience of many years. And Jesus said, “Except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven”.
It is not too late now to turn our failures into successes by redeeming the time : trimming our lamps and maintaining a steady flame of truth and service in well doing’
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One