At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 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
It’s in the nature of man to seek recognition, position, and to simply be right. Our flesh steers us toward pride. Here we see the disciples coming and asking (subtly mind you) which of them were the best in Jesus’ eyes. He used a child, one seen as insignificant, to essentially rebuke all of them for even asking the question.
When Jesus brings correction, He often throws down a gauntlet. How embarrassed the disciples must have been. Humiliated. This conversation clearly took place in front of people. They were seeking position and affirmation from Jesus and what did they receive? Rebuke.
Why does so much of the Church act as if God is ok with our sin? Jesus literally calls for those who follow Him to “sin no more” (John 8:11). In Matthew 18, Jesus is calling His church to the level of humility, sincerity, and submissiveness of little children. We must be cautious. The moment we position ourselves in pride, we open ourselves up for a Jesus gauntlet.