Matthew 18: 1-5; Matthew 18: 21-22
Kingdom life was not always clear to Jesus’ disciples. They perhaps like us have trouble understanding how one’s life in the kingdom of God is different from our current life. So they asked and Jesus answered. “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Perhaps jealousy prompted their request—would Jesus pick out just one of the twelve as head. Certainly they must have expected that they who gave up all to follow him would have prominent positions; that’s the way of the world, isn’t it? Jesus’ answer surely shocked. A child he said. Unless one becomes like a child, unseen, unnoticed, the least of society, one will not enter the kingdom at all. The humble are the greatest. Not the world’s way.
Peter having heard Jesus teach about sin asks, “How often shall I forgive? As many as seven times?” Generous is he to forgive the same person that often, but surely there is a limit. Don’t we feel that way? Enough is enough! Jesus isn’t impressed with his charity it seems. His answer, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy times seven.” The biggest number you can think of, no limit on forgiving, he says. Kingdom living is indeed very different.
What kingdom living questions do you want to ask? What if anything keeps you from asking? How does Jesus reply?
Lord Jesus, teach us about kingdom living. Forgive our pride, our jealousy, our anger, and our merciless spirit. Let us be the humble servants you showed us how to be. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
Kingdom life was not always clear to Jesus’ disciples. They perhaps like us have trouble understanding how one’s life in the kingdom of God is different from our current life. So they asked and Jesus answered. “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Perhaps jealousy prompted their request—would Jesus pick out just one of the twelve as head. Certainly they must have expected that they who gave up all to follow him would have prominent positions; that’s the way of the world, isn’t it? Jesus’ answer surely shocked. A child he said. Unless one becomes like a child, unseen, unnoticed, the least of society, one will not enter the kingdom at all. The humble are the greatest. Not the world’s way.
Peter having heard Jesus teach about sin asks, “How often shall I forgive? As many as seven times?” Generous is he to forgive the same person that often, but surely there is a limit. Don’t we feel that way? Enough is enough! Jesus isn’t impressed with his charity it seems. His answer, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy times seven.” The biggest number you can think of, no limit on forgiving, he says. Kingdom living is indeed very different.
What kingdom living questions do you want to ask? What if anything keeps you from asking? How does Jesus reply?
Lord Jesus, teach us about kingdom living. Forgive our pride, our jealousy, our anger, and our merciless spirit. Let us be the humble servants you showed us how to be. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
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