Shadows: Little Shadows – Week 4

Little Shadows

Matthew 18:1-10 & 19:13-15

Jesus says, “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 

Matthew 18:1-10

Matthew 18:1 “About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Matthew 18:2 “Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’”

1. Jesus loves children.  

2. Turn from your sin & become humble like a child
What might I be doing that could cause a little one, who trusts in Jesus to fall into sin?
Little Shadows – they are observing, learning, and following you and your example.

Matthew 18:5 “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”
How well do you welcome and love children, and those new to following Jesus?

3. We live in Temptation Nation, which can have great consequences
Matthew 18:7 “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.”

Thinking back to the Little Shadows following you, is there anything about your life that could be tempting a child to sin?  
Matthew 18:10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”
Children matter to God!

Matthew 19:13-15
“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’ And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.”

4. Be the auntie/uncle that truly invested in you, or the one you wish you’d had

What are you doing (or not doing) that is hindering a child from coming to Jesus?
What are you doing that is helping a child experience and know Jesus?

Long-time Jesus followers

• What are you doing to love the children around you?
• What are you doing to model Jesus to those new to the body of Christ?
• Stay young in your faith. Surround yourself with others who are learning the stories and truths of Jesus for the first time.

Newer Jesus followers

• When we are sitting with children and learning alongside them, Jesus comes to life in child-like ways.  To become more equipped, be open to humbly learning alongside a child or student.
• Be a student yourself.  Have fun, be silly, enjoy the journey!

Not following Jesus yet

• I want to invite you to follow Jesus today.
• The Kingdom of Heaven awaits and is eager to welcome you!