While Jesus Christ was manifest in the flesh with his disciples, various problems came up between them. One, of the most odious and most ridiculous problems, was the question of who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ proposed a solution for how to solve that problem.
Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:46-48 NLT)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. Then he said to them, “I can guarantee this truth: Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name welcomes me. “These little ones believe in me. It would be best for the person who causes one of them to lose faith to be drowned in the sea with a large stone hung around his neck. (Matthew 18:1-6 GWT)
Do you have problems between brothers and sisters in Christ?
Are they this odious? Are they this ridiculous? Are you willing to ask, “What would Jesus do?” His solution might work. Are you willing to step outside your comfort zone? His solution might work! Are you willing to to resolve those problems in Jesus’ way? His solution might will work!!!!
The Greatest in the Kingdom (Matthew 18:1-6; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-50)
Temptations and Trespasses (Matthew 18:7-9; Mark 9:42-50; Luke 17:1-4)
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14; Luke 15:1-7)
A brother who Sins (Matthew 18:15-20; Deuteronomy 19:15-21)
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 12:14-21)
In the midst of all these problems Jesus reminded the disciples how to resolve these problems…
“Again I say to you, that if two of you shall agree on the earth concerning any matter, whatsoever it may be that they shall ask [G154 aiteó], it shall come to them from my Father who is in [the] heavens. For where two or three are gathered together unto [G1519 eis] my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
Consider the meaning of the Greek word eis used in Verse 20…
- G1519 eis (a preposition)
- properly, into (unto) – literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result.
- G154 aiteó
- to ask – ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require
This means much more than just gathering together in the name of Jesus Christ (as opposed to gathering together in any other name). It means gathering together into the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not a parable. This is not figurative. This is real. This is just as real as the future resurrection…
The Hope of the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.
What did the Lord Jesus Christ say to do?
This is what the Lord Jesus Christ said to do. Don’t fight among yourselves. Don’t argue among yourselves. Don’t struggle between yourselves. Get some men together and “gather together into Jesus Christ through corporate prayer.” Bow your heads and your hearts to God. Seek God’s will in audible prayer. Let each and every man speak his heart’s petition to God.
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7)
But, it will only work if you’re willing to pray the way that Jesus Christ taught his disciples to pray. Not necessarily with these words, but this way: acknowledge our awesome God, acknowledging his plan, confessing our sins, granting forgiveness to others, praying for his will…
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4)
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
If a man is overtaken with the sin of pride and arrogance, and he prays out loud to God in the presence of his brethren, and he cannot yield to God in his prayer, it will be so obvious that nothing more will need to be said.
It will never work! It’s too simple! Have you tried it?