Show Don't Tell: Matthew 18:1-9

Instead of saying "Jesus taught about humility using a child," watch the object lesson. The disciples ask: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" They're thinking hierarchy, rank, seating charts. Jesus calls a little child and has him stand among them. "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Not childish—childlike. Dependent. Trusting. Not self-promoting. "Whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom." Then the warning: "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." Picture the millstone, the splash, the sinking. Better that than causing faith to stumble. Cut off whatever causes you to sin—hand, foot, eye—better to enter life maimed than hell whole.