The disciples were constantly preoccupied with the issue of greatness. “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matt. 18:1). Jesus answers this question in a way they didn’t expect. He says, you must become like a paidion, “child,” just to enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 3b). They imagined a hierarchy of positions. Jesus says that just to get in you must humble yourself. He’s not talking about who is the greatest, but who will even be there!
Recently in a blog, I said I was taking liberty by translating the word Greek word paidon “child” as anyone under authority—applying it to victims of sexual or spiritual abuse. However, studying the passage more I found out.
The Aramaic language has the same word for “child” and “servant.” Thus, when Jesus took a little child into his arms, he made the explanation of greatness even more distinct—to be great, one must serve.1
Satan Sent Packing
This theme of humility is all throughout the Bible. Many preachers have warned people that this or that behavior will keep them out of heaven, but have they considered pride? Is it not what got Satan thrown out?
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.” (Is 14:12–15)
Did not Jesus spend far more time warning against pride than even adultery or worldliness? Did he not rebuke the religious establishment more often than more obvious “sinners” (see Matt 7, 23)?
I do want to be great in the kingdom of heaven!
We should want to be great in God’s kingdom. But we must understand that that does not mean having people serve you. It’s quite the opposite: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:4). Jesus did not enter earth on a throne, but in a dirty manger, not as a king, but as a helpless baby, not among the nobility, but farm animals. Theologian Chris Green said that Jesus came as a servant (Phil 2:6), because being a master wasn’t lowly enough for him. In other words, it’s not that Jesus humbled himself (though clearly he did), humility is who he is.
Recently, I listened to the audio of a very famous television preacher who leads a megachurch in Ohio. He was berating staff members for not doing their jobs as well as he felt they should. It felt less like a pastor speaking to those who work for the church and more like a drill sergeant seeking to humiliate new soldiers. He was displaying exactly the opposite behavior that Jesus was encouraging when he said to be great, be a servant. Pastors who regularly lose their temper at workers are not fit to be shepherds.
Jesus tells his disciples that they must change. They are not humble. And let’s not forget, this is right after they could not cast out a demon. You might wonder what Matthew 17 and the inability to cast out a demon have to do with Matthew 18 and becoming servants. Remember, Matthew did not use verses or chapters. Verse one in chapter 18 begins with the words, “At that time (or hour),” which connects it to everything that has transpired in chapter 17.
1. The Disciples’ Inadequacy and the Need for Dependence
In Matthew 17:14–20, Jesus explains that they could not cast out the demon from the boy, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed…” (v. 20). They were powerless because of their weak faith and insufficient dependence on God. The call is for them to move beyond self-confidence or mere formulaic actions and instead trust deeply in God’s power.
Matthew 18:1–4 then reveals Jesus teaching the disciples that greatness in the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who humble themselves like children: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3 ESV).
Craig Blomberg writes, “In first-century thought children were often very little esteemed. Jesus ascribes to them great value, but here his more immediate point is that would-be disciples must share their condition of utter dependence, in this case, on God.”2 The humble, childlike posture is one of utter dependence. To rely on God alone is an understanding of our own insufficiency and an expression of humility.
Taken together, these two passages form a progression: the disciples fail in ministry without humble, childlike dependence (Matt. 17), and then Jesus shows them that the true key is humility (Matt. 18).
2. Faith, Humility, and the Power of God
In Mark’s account, he tells them that this kind of demon will only respond to prayer and fasting (see Mark 9:29). Prayer and fasting reflect an attitude of dependence on God—an act of humility in which one acknowledges that it is God’s power, not human ability or merit that effects change. We sustain our life with food and water. When we abstain from these things, we express humility towards God.
In Matthew 18, the theme continues: Great power comes through great humility. In order to cast out demons, one must be utterly dependent on God, and we express that through prayer and fasting. A heart of humility goes hand in hand with faith. If the disciples operate in their own strength or approach spiritual battles pridefully, they lack the heart posture needed for divine empowerment.
That they are still arguing over which one of them will be the greatest in the kingdom of God is most likely the reason that they are not living a humble life (which includes fasting) and have no power to cast out the demon. They do not think of themselves as humble servants but as great leaders—leaders who are worthy of honor.
I am reminded of a passage I found last year amongst the desert fathers’ writings. The Desert Mother Theodora confirms the power of humility.
There was a hermit who was able to banish the demons. And he asked [the demons]: “What makes you go away? Is it fasting?” They replied: “We do not eat or drink.” “Is it vigils?” They said: “We do not sleep.” “Then what power sends you away?” They replied: “Nothing can overcome us except humility alone.”3
When was the last time you attended a conference on evangelism or signs and wonders, and they emphasized humility as the key to spiritual authority? But to those desert fathers and mothers, humility, brokenness, and surrender were keys to spiritual life and power.
Lessons?
How do we treat those who are under authority? Whether you are a pastor, parent, or an employer, we need to demonstrate the character of the Messiah in how we treat those under our authority.
[1] Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 352.
[2] Craig Blomberg, Matthew, vol. 22, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 273.
[3] John Chryssavgis, In the Heart of the Desert: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (Bloomington, ID: World Wisdom, 2008), 74, Kindle.
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