Matthew 18:2 - Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them,
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What does "Matthew 18:2" mean?
The verse "Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them" (Matthew 18:2) is part of a larger passage where Jesus is teaching his disciples about humility and greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Jesus called a little child to himself: Jesus intentionally sought out a child. In that time, children were not seen as particularly important or influential; they were often overlooked and marginalized. Jesus' act of calling the child demonstrates that he valued and recognized the significance of those who were considered insignificant by the world.
Set him in the middle of them: By placing the child in the midst of his disciples, Jesus drew attention to the child and emphasized the importance of the lesson he was about to teach. This physical placement served as a visual aid to underscore his words.
Overall Meaning and Context:
This action is a lead-in to Jesus' main point, which is found in the subsequent verses (Matthew 18:3-4):
"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
"Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4)
Therefore, the act of calling the child and placing him in the middle served as a powerful illustration of the qualities Jesus wants his followers to embody:
Humility: Children are naturally humble and unassuming. They are aware of their dependence on others and do not seek power or recognition.
Trust: Children have a simple and trusting faith. They readily believe and accept what they are told.
Lack of Pretense: Children are not concerned with status or appearances. They are genuine and authentic.
Receptivity: Children are open to learning and guidance.
In summary, Jesus used the child as a living example of the type of heart and attitude necessary to enter and be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. The verse emphasizes the importance of humility, trust, and childlike faith in our relationship with God. It challenges the disciples (and us) to reconsider worldly values and embrace a different standard of greatness.
Matthew 18:2 - Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them,
What does "Matthew 18:2" mean?
The verse "Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them" (Matthew 18:2) is part of a larger passage where Jesus is teaching his disciples about humility and greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Jesus called a little child to himself: Jesus intentionally sought out a child. In that time, children were not seen as particularly important or influential; they were often overlooked and marginalized. Jesus' act of calling the child demonstrates that he valued and recognized the significance of those who were considered insignificant by the world.
Set him in the middle of them: By placing the child in the midst of his disciples, Jesus drew attention to the child and emphasized the importance of the lesson he was about to teach. This physical placement served as a visual aid to underscore his words.
Overall Meaning and Context:
This action is a lead-in to Jesus' main point, which is found in the subsequent verses (Matthew 18:3-4):
"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)
"Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4)
Therefore, the act of calling the child and placing him in the middle served as a powerful illustration of the qualities Jesus wants his followers to embody:
Humility: Children are naturally humble and unassuming. They are aware of their dependence on others and do not seek power or recognition.
Trust: Children have a simple and trusting faith. They readily believe and accept what they are told.
Lack of Pretense: Children are not concerned with status or appearances. They are genuine and authentic.
Receptivity: Children are open to learning and guidance.
In summary, Jesus used the child as a living example of the type of heart and attitude necessary to enter and be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. The verse emphasizes the importance of humility, trust, and childlike faith in our relationship with God. It challenges the disciples (and us) to reconsider worldly values and embrace a different standard of greatness.