 January 13, 1999
FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Living out gospel involves
acceptance, care-taking
___ Matthew 18:1-10; 19:13-15
___By Doug Riggs
___Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Bedford
___I've heard it said that God takes care of little children, fools and preachers. Sometimes the lines of distinction blur between those three categories. Certainly, the Bible clearly reveals that God champions the cause of those in need.
___In this lesson targeting the sanctity of human life, we must recognize principles that help us deal with emotionally and politically charged issues such as abortion, abuse, neglect, euthanasia and mistreatment of those who are  fragile. The truth is we all are more helpless than we would like to admit. In fact, God requires our acknowledgement of helplessness before he can do his greatest work in our lives.
___ Kingdom attitude (18:1-4). Jesus gave more than one answer when asked about greatness in God's kingdom. His answers point to servanthood (Mark 10:43-44), being last (Mark 9:35) and taking on the humble trust of a child (v. 4). Greatness never resides in human strength but in open dependence on the heavenly Father. The immediate response of children to Jesus' call (v. 2) represents the response of repentance and faith we each should have when he calls us.
___ Kingdom acceptance (18:5). We often are guilty of seeking favor only from those who have the means to help us. In contrast, Jesus set the example that every person has value. In fact, he personified himself in children as well as one who was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick and in prison (Matthew 25:35-40). When we perform acts of mercy and love toward these, we minister to Jesus himself. In short, Jesus called us to champion the cause of the helpless as much as he did.
___ Kingdom warning (18:6-10). Not everyone protects the defenseless, however. In such cases, Jesus pronounced a stern warning. If we cause one of God's "little ones" to sin (stumble or be entrapped), we are worthy of God's wrath (vv. 6-7). The warning applies to our treatment of new and fragile believers as well as those who are physically, mentally, economically or emotionally helpless.
___Instead, we must take extreme precautions to avoid harm and mistreatment of others. Jesus' command to sever a limb or gouge out an eye (vv. 8-9) was symbolic. The true problem lies within the heart. A person with one hand, one foot or one eye remains quite capable of wrongdoing with the remaining hand, foot or eye.
___We must take whatever measure necessary to ensure careful treatment of the needy rather than looking down on them (v. 10).
___ Kingdom concern (19:13-15). Jesus gave more than lip service to the treatment of children. He touched them, prayed for them (vv. 13, 15), healed them and ministered to them. We, too, must give meaningful support to children. The gospel explains how to enter heaven, but it also explains how people should treat others. We need a fresh challenge to live out the entire gospel message.
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