No Stumbling Blocks: Becoming Like Children to Enter the Kingdom

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.”- Matthew 18:6–9 	

Remember those captivating children's books that transported you to magical worlds? Stories like C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia ignite our imaginations and remind us of simpler truths. Lewis himself found inspiration in children, recognizing their unique ability to grasp profound concepts that often elude adults.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus tells us, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." But what does it mean to become like children in order to experience God's kingdom?

1. Humility is Key

The kingdom of God is not a far-off place but the dynamic presence of God here and now. It's where the Spirit of the Lord brings freedom and power. Our role as the church is to live in, celebrate, and expand this kingdom.

But how does this relate to becoming like children? Children possess a natural openness. They are messy, funny, high-maintenance, time-consuming, draining, silly, and expensive. Yet, they are also the most valuable investment one can make this side of heaven. I might forget to close the garage door, but I know exactly where my child is at all times.

In the grand scheme of things, children are completely dependent. Though they may have strong opinions, they can't feed themselves, clothe themselves, or provide the basic necessities for survival. This mirrors our relationship with God. We are utterly dependent on Him for everything.

This is the posture we must adopt to enter the kingdom – recognizing our complete dependence on God's grace. And knowing that, no matter how much we may resist, God will never let us go.

2. Removing Stumbling Blocks

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns against causing "little ones" to stumble in their faith. The Greek word for "sin" here is skandalon, which means a stumbling block or obstacle.

“… 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 18:6

Ironically, Jesus himself is often a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-24). The message of the cross seems foolish to the world. Yet, for those who believe, it is the power of God.

The only stumbling block that should lie between people and God is the person and work of Jesus. They need to stumble over Him and realize that they are just spiritual children needing a Father. However, we often put other obstacles in people's paths. It could be our church culture, our rules, our attachment to the wrong things, or our own hypocrisy. We must strive to remove these obstacles so that Jesus remains the only stumbling block.

3. Wholehearted Devotion

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”- Matthew 18:10

Matthew 18:10 emphasizes the value of each individual in God's eyes. This echoes the Beatitude, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Purity of heart means having a singular focus, a wholehearted devotion to God.

This sheds light on the seemingly odd verses 7-11, where Jesus speaks of cutting off body parts that cause us to sin. While there may be practical applications (like getting rid of a smartphone if you have a pornography addiction), the primary focus here is on the body of Christ. If any part of the church hinders our mission of reaching the lost, it may need to be addressed and potentially "cut off."

This call to wholeheartedness extends beyond Sunday mornings. It's a 24/7 commitment that permeates every aspect of our lives.

Conclusion: Embracing Childlike Faith

Becoming like children is not about childish behavior, but about cultivating childlike qualities: humility, dependence, and a pure heart. It's about recognizing our need for God and removing any obstacles that hinder others from experiencing His grace.

May we, as the church, embody these qualities and create a space where the only stumbling block is Jesus himself, a stumbling block that leads to salvation and life in the kingdom of God.

With You;
Pastor Tim