DCLM Daily Manna 2023: DCLM Daily Manna 15 April 2024: Christ’s teaching on Humility
KEY VERSE: Matthew 18:4 “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
TEXT: Matthew 18:1-4
At that time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
4 Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Shortly after he took over as the President of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Booker T. Washington, was walking in an exclusive section of town when he was stopped by a wealthy white woman. Not knowing the famous Professor Washington by sight, she asked if he would like to earn a few dollars by chopping wood for her. Because he had no pressing business at the moment, Professor Washington smiled, rolled up his sleeves and proceeded to do the humble chore she had requested. When he finished, he carried the logs into the house and stacked them by the fireplace.
A little girl recognised him and later revealed his identity to the lady. The next morning the embarrassed woman went to see Professor Washington in his office at the Institute and apologised profusely. “It’s perfectly all right, Madam,” he replied. “Occasionally I enjoy a little manual labour. Besides, it’s always a delight to do something for a friend.” She shook his hand warmly and assured him that his meek and gracious attitude had endeared him and his work to her heart. Not long afterward she showed her admiration by persuading some wealthy acquaintances to join her in donating thousands of dollars to the Tuskegee Institute.
In the text, we are introduced to a recurring debate among the disciples: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Thinking that their Master’s messianic claim implied a temporal sovereignty and secular power, the disciples were looking forward to becoming dignitaries in this new Kingdom. In His response, Christ used a child to drive home the lesson. Children are teachable, unpretentious, submissive, willingly dependent on their parents and free from malice. Hence, their use as proper emblems of true Christianity.
True greatness is not in position, office, leadership, power, influence, fame, ability, great accomplishments or success. It is a matter of the inner life, involving a humble spirit and a pure heart.
As Christians, we should imbibe this meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Are you humble enough to serve others?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 85-88
Thank you for studying today’s Daily Manna – Christ’s Teaching on Humility – by Pastor W.F Kumuyi
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Daily Manna 15 April 2024
