Matt 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 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.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

INTRO: Like children? Immature? Is that what Christ meant when He drew the small children to Himself and praised their attitudes. That brings an important question to the front. Why did Christ make such a deal about the greatness of children? How can they be considered great in the eyes of God? Have they taught a Sunday School Class? Have they driven a church bus? Have they read scripture in services? Have they lead a choir? Have they played instruments? Have they attended a great amount of services? Have they given a great deal of money to the church? Do they hold an office? Have they preached?

Surely all these are the things that make us great??????

HOW CAN THEY BE GREAT? Let us look at some things that make children great in the eyes of God.

As we look at them and we see that…

1. Because they are Hungry, they are "Fill-able"

If we are hungry for God's ways, He will fill us with His Spirit.


2. Because they are Loving, they are Lovable

 
If we are loving, we will be lovable!

Do we want to be loving?

Do you remember your mother saying, "You are just so lovable!"???

Did that make you want to be even more loving? Do you?




3. Because they are Crying, they are "Sootheable"

 
If we are sad, God can sooth our souls. He can meet our needs.

Are we concerned about souls enough to be crying?




4. Because they are Growing, they are Changeable

 
It is through our spiritual growth that God changes us (for the better)

Are you growing? Do you want to grow?

Are you trying to grow like a little child would?

Are you changeable? - Not if you do not grow!


 
5. Because they are Inquiring, they are Teachable

 
Why? Children always want to know why! Do you want the answers?

Do we have a thirst for knowing? I want to find what I need!




6. Because they are Reaching, they are Receivable

 
Have you seen them reaching for something they cannot obtain?

Have you seen them ignore something you want them to have?

If we are reaching, we can receive!




7. Because they are Believing, they are Usable

 
When children believe, they believe!

When we believe in God's cause, we become usable for Him.




8. Because they are Imitating, they are Recognizable