Great or Humble? Kingdom Greatness Redefined

Opening: The Disciples' Question

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.' (Matthew 18:1-6, ESV)

Question 1: What Does Childlike Mean?

Jesus tells the disciples they must become like children to enter the kingdom. The sermon pointed out that this isn't about being immature or childish (see 1 Corinthians 13:11). Instead, it's about dependence, trust, and vulnerability.

Think about a four-year-old asking for a hot dog — she can't make it herself, can't drive to the store, doesn't even know how to turn on the grill. She's completely dependent.

What are some ways we try to be independent from God — to earn our way or prove ourselves — instead of depending on Him like a child depends on a parent?

Question 2: Receiving the Kingdom

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Mark 10:15, ESV)

The sermon emphasized that a child doesn't earn a meal or a home — they receive it as a gift. In the same way, we don't earn entry into God's kingdom.

How does this challenge the way our culture (and maybe even our own hearts) thinks about achievement, status, and being 'good enough'?

Question 3: Humility vs. Greatness

Jesus flips the script: Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4). The disciples wanted to know who was greatest — Jesus answers by redefining greatness itself.

Consider Philippians 2:5-8, where Paul describes Jesus emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant. Also see Matthew 20:20-28, where Jesus says the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.

In your own life — at school, at home, on social media — where do you feel the most pressure to be seen as 'great' or important? How does Jesus' definition of greatness challenge that?

Question 4: Thinking of Yourself Less

The sermon quoted this idea: Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It also referenced Romans 12:3 — not thinking of yourself more highly than you ought, but with sober judgment.

CS Lewis said the truly humble person won't even be thinking about humility — he'll be thinking about God and others.

What's one practical way you could 'think of yourself less' this week — putting someone else's needs or interests ahead of your own?

Question 5: Dependence in the Christian Life

Jonathan Edwards wrote: A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from God, of his dependence on him, of the insufficiency of his own power and wisdom… that he needs God's wisdom to lead and guide him.

The sermon reminded us that we don't just start the Christian life by grace — we live it that way too. We're always dependent on God's power, wisdom, and provision.

Where in your life right now do you most need to admit, 'I can't do this on my own — I need God's help'?

Debate / Discussion Springboard

Scenario: Two students are talking. One says, 'If Christianity is all about humility and being like a child, doesn't that mean Christians should just be passive and let people walk all over them? Shouldn't we stand up for ourselves and be confident?'

The other says, 'No — humility doesn't mean being weak. Jesus was humble, but He also confronted sin and stood for truth. Humility is about depending on God and serving others, not about having low self-esteem.'

Discuss: Who do you agree with more, and why? Can someone be both humble and confident? What's the difference between humility and weakness? Use Scripture (like Philippians 2, John 13, or Matthew 18) to support your thoughts.

Close in prayer, asking God to help you depend on Him like a child, to humble yourself in His presence, and to find true greatness by serving others in His name.