THE K I NG ' S BUS I NES S and harmful to the true disciples. The Lord said, “I dwell in the high and holy place and with him also th a t is of a humble and contrite spirit” (Isa. 57: 15). A little child, then, is the model for greatness in the kingdom. (Matt. 20: 26, 27; Mark 10:43). The picture of Jesus Christ washing His disciples’ feet should be constantly before us, remem bering that He it is th a t is exalted and given the Name which is above every name. (3) THE GUILT OF OFFENDING, vs. 5-9. Jesus identifies Himself with every one of His children. When Saul is per secuting the church, Jesus says “Why persecutest thòu Mie?” To receive one little one, is to receive Him. To offend one little one, is to offend Him. The term “little one” no doubt in cludes young converts, no matter of what age. To “offend” means to cause to stumble^—to give occasion to fall—by our example. A child of God should walk carefully. A fearful punishment is here predicted of those who cause the little ones to stumble. We had better lose T)ur hands, or feet, or eyes, as He says. We need to deal with sin without gloves,—th a t is, with our own sins, not those of others. The church that draws a line against the poor, Christians who snub the common people, who draw their garments of pride around their sanctimonious forms, have a special warning here. We may offend by word or act. To speak lightly of, or act in differently toward one, may bring sor row to them and suffering to us. Jesus is not ashamed to call them brethren and we need not be. (Rom. 15:1; 1 Cor. 8:9). (4) THE GUARDIAN ANGELS, v. 10. As an additional argument the Lord informs the disciples that there are angels in charge of these little ones, and th a t they have constant access to the Father’s presence. They are probably
41 the highest order of angels,—“angels of His presence,” or “angels of His face.” How highly doth He regard them when He thus guards them! How tender in His sight are the lambs with the angel- shepherds! (Psa. 34:7.) “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them .” (Psa. 91:11.) “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy w ays.” (Heb. 1:14.) “Are they^ not all m inistering spirits sent forth to m inister to them who shall be heirs' of salvation?” Let us beware how we offend or de spise the weakest or humblest disciple. (5) THE GRACIOUS MESSENGER, vs. 11-14. The Son of man Himself came to save them. Little ones, are lost ones. All are lost and all need to be saved. He seeks and saves. (Matt. 9:13.) When He sent out the Twelve, He sent them to the lost (Matt. 10:6; 15-24). He came to save (John 12:47; 1 Tim. 1:15). The question is often asked, “Are chil dren saved?” (Matt. 19:14). Yes, He saves them and He carries them. He carries them in His bosom and sets a guard over them. It is not the will of the Father that any of them should per ish (Matt. 18:14), nor will they. PRACTICAL POINTS (X) God has a gate to heaven, and it is wide open to the wise. (2) Do you seek to enter? You m ust stoop and s o in like a little child. (3) The great in God's eyes are little in their own sight. (4) God's great ones are gracious servants. (5) The way of promotion in God's service is by washing the disciples' feet. (6) Guardian angels are the testim ony of H is regard for H is little ones. (7) v To offend the least one of H is little' ones is to offer insult to God. (8) N ote the warning to the Church: Care for the children and be patient w ith the back* slider. Subject Illustration. The only religion upon this earth that gives a place to the child is the Christ ian religion. What a proof of its di vine origin and supremacy. Children
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