Learning from Children

Matthew 18:1-14

Introduction

• Mark 9:34

How to live a Kingdom of Heaven Life on Earth.

1. Remember you received Jesus like a child.

• Matthew 18:1-5

• Matthew 16:24-26

• Matthew 18:3

• Matthew 18:4-5

• 1 Peter 3:15

2. Remember the influence sin has and had in your life.

• Matthew 18:6-9

• Matthew 18:8-9

• Romans 5:20-6:2

• Romans 14:13

3. Remember to treat each other like Jesus treated you.

• Matthew 18:10-14

Application

1. Humility is Key  v.1-5

2. Sin is Repented of v.6-9

3. Grace is Needed  v. 10-14

Warm-up

What are some ways children trust without question? When you were a child, what was something you trusted without question?Read Matthew 18:1-14; Mark 9:34

Why do you think the disciples were embarrassed to admit what they were arguing about?

Transition Thought: Instead of responding with a lecture on leadership, Jesus responded by pointing to a child. Jesus' Kingdom Life reverses our instincts.

1. Remember You Received Jesus Like a Child

Read: Matthew 18:1–5 (focus esp. v.3–4)

According to Jesus, what must happen before someone can even enter the kingdom? (v.3)

What does it mean to “humble yourself like this child”? What does it not mean?

How does this connect to Jesus’ call in Matthew 16:24–26?

Why is asking for help spiritually harder as we grow older?

Read 1 Peter 3:15.

Respond to the following statement: Humility doesn’t weaken faith—it makes room for Christ to be honored.

2. Remember the Influence Sin Has (and Had) in Your Life

Read: Matthew 18:6–9

Why does Jesus use such strong language about causing others to stumble?

How does our sin affect people beyond just ourselves—especially children or younger believers?

Read Romans 5:20–6:2

How do these verses challenge us to avoid abusing grace?

3. Remember to Treat Each Other Like Jesus Treated You

Read: Matthew 18:10–14

What does this passage tell us about how God sees “the one”?

How does Jesus’ posture toward the vulnerable challenge how we treat others in our families or church?

Application: Three Kingdom Reminders

Humility is Key (vv.1–5) - Where do I need to surrender pride this week?

Sin Is Repented Of (vv.6–9) - What needs to be removed in my life, not managed?

Grace Is Needed (vv.10–14) - Who needs grace from me the way I’ve received it from Jesus?