URC Daily Devotion for 3-02-2026
St Matthew 18: 1 – 9
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “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.
Reflection
Jesus has told his disciples that death awaits him, and afterwards he will rise again. Reactions to this revelation vary – refusal to believe, fear, and non comprehension. Did Jesus’ disciples need time to assimilate his prophecy? Was it too much to take in right away? Or did they simply decide to put it to the back of their minds?
When we decide to park some unwelcome news, our behaviour is affected in ways beyond our ken, indeed beyond our conscious control. Did the disciples simply question who would lead them in the future? A succession question, rather than a power grab? Maybe a bit of both? There would be front runners for leadership – eg those present at Jesus’ transfiguration, in particular Peter?
Jesus chooses to answer by bringing a child centre stage amongst them. Annually we rejoice that God chooses to send Jesus amongst us as a baby. A refugees’ baby arriving as the saviour of the world…
Several times Jesus’ teaching features young children – those whose dependency, trust and vulnerability stand in stark contrast to the hubris and self sufficiency of adults.’ Look at this child and learn what is required of you in your relationship with God’, says Jesus.
In our life of faith how far are the Church’s concerns open to Jesus’ teaching? We worry that churches are emptying; that the Church (in the West particularly) has lost much influence. Are we paying attention to the right things? The greatest in the Kingdom are not those with the finest buildings, the biggest number of members, and the soundest finances. Good stewardship matters, but the greatest in God’s reign are those who know how little is under their control, and who focus on loving and serving people in need rather than promoting themselves.
Prayer
Gracious God
these days we give much anxious thought
to managing our future.
The seeds of Jesus’ teaching often fall
on the rocky ground.
Vulnerability and trust appear as weaknesses
rather than necessities.
Let your Spirit open us up to the possibilities
of loving and serving you in new ways,
which are pleasing to you.
Amen.