February 26 Daily Devotional

The Final Question

Frans Bakker

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.—Matthew 18:1–3

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Bible Reading

Matthew 18:1–5

Devotional

We must learn to be the least. This lesson must be learned on this side of the grave. We must, therefore, ask a final question. How do people become the least instead of the greatest? They become greatest in the same way the disciples did. They become great along the same path as the King of that kingdom. The King had to die.

The disciples divided the places of honor in the kingdom among themselves, but when the King entered death, they didn’t see the kingdom anymore. They all ran away from this King and denied Him. They all sinned themselves outside of the kingdom. They profoundly learned to see that left to themselves they could do nothing else than sin themselves out of it. It is then that they desperately needed this dying King. They needed the King who was cast out of the kingdom by His Father so that those who are unworthy could receive a place with God. Even if that place was only as a doorkeeper, they would have a place! The disciples could no longer make themselves ready for the service of their King. They were made as dependent as a child who has to be dressed and made ready. Just as their King, they too had to die. They needed to die to self.

Whoever learns this lesson becomes the least, and there will be One who becomes for him the Greatest. This is Christ, who became nothing for a people who thought they were something. Only He is the Greatest among His brethren. He is not ashamed to call them His brethren, however loathsome they are in themselves. They enter into the kingdom on His account. It is all God’s doing and not their own. The kingdom of heaven is for such ones, because, “The Lord preserves the meek most tenderly; brought nigh to death, in Him I found salvation. Come, thou my soul, relieved from agitation, turn to thy rest; the Lord has favored thee.”

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.

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