Sermons of Jesus – On Humility and Hell
Bible Passage: Matt 18:1-20; Mk 9:33-10:1; Lk 9:46-50
Dear Reader,
Have you ever asked for something in this life?
From young we ask for a hug, a bedtime story, attention, games, or toys, and as we get older we ask for a computer, a phone, money, freedom, independency, or approval. I know, we ask for many things in life but there are some requests which take longer to be fulfilled or it never happens at all.
I thought about what the disciples of Jesus were asking for; they asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Jesus said no one’s name.
Sometimes people ask to look prettier, they ask for beautiful hair, they ask to be tall, and they ask for slim figure, they ask for a good build, they ask for perfect health, or they ask for a normal body. They ask for talents in music, studying, cooking, teaching, and the list goes on. The disciples weren’t the only ones asking for something.
Why do we ask for these things?
I thought about what Jesus said to the disciples, He said to them, “Whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
When I saw my one-and-half-year-old nephew today standing by the pool today, I saw how afraid of the water he was and how he depended on his mother to protect him. Little children are very dependent, but they are humble, they readily forgive, they are trusting, they readily learn, they are submissive, they are obedient, they seek protection, they give, they honor, and they share.
What happens to us as we grow older?
I had one last thought about what Jesus said to His disciples, “And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.”
I know it doesn’t literally mean cut your eye out, or cut your hand or foot off. But I have heard of people who have done so, and I can tell you that it doesn’t work that way. For example, you may not be able to see but you may still walk towards the source of the temptation and you can still listen to it or touch it. The essence of this verse is to change from within. To cut off the desire in our hearts before it grows and becomes something ugly.
I wonder what you thought of today’s Bible reading.
With regards,
appleofHiseye
P.S. Here’s a poem I came across that seemed to answer some of my questions, so I’m just sharing it with you.
God Always Answers Prayers
When the idea is not right, God says, ‘No’
No – when the idea is not the best.
No – when the idea is absolutely wrong.
No – when although it may help you it could create problems for someone else.
When the time is not right, God says, ‘Slow’
What a catastrophe it would be if God answered every prayer at the snap of your fingers. Do you know what would happen? God would become your servant, not your master. Suddenly, God would be working for you instead of you working for God.
Remember: God’s delay is not God’s denial. God’s timing is perfect. Patience is what we need in prayer.
When you are not right, God says, ‘Grow’
The selfish person must grow in unselfishness.
The cautious person must grow in courage.
The timid person must grow in confidence.
The dominating person must grow in sensitivity.
The critical person must grow in tolerance.
The negative person must grow in positive attitudes.
The pleasure-seeking person must grow in compassion for suffering people.
When everything is all right, God says, ‘Go.’
Then miracles happen:
A hopeless alcoholic is set free!
A drug addict finds release!
A doubter becomes a child in his belief.
Diseased tissue responds to treatment, and healing begins.
The door to your dream suddenly swings open and there stands God saying, ‘Go! ‘
~Dr. Robert Schuller