Episode 430 SPECIAL EPISODE Who is the Greatest? (Matthew 18:1-14)

On this special Ash Wednesday episode of BibleWorm we’re reading Matthew 18:1-14 in which the disciples ask Jesus who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus not only refuses to answer the question but insists that one must become like a little child in order to even enter the kingdom of heaven in the first place. It is only the empire that thinks in terms of status and greatness. The kingdom of heaven extends a welcome to all. In fact, Jesus tells us to cut off our hands or pluck out our eyes if they tempt us to think and act according to the imperial logic, which distinguishes the great people from the small people, even in acts of charity. Finally, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, which teaches us not to pursue fairness or equity but rather to make sure that each person has whatever they may need to live a full and abundant life. As Christians enter into the season of Lent, this text calls us to welcome those without status and seek abundant life for all. That sounds like an amazing way to spend 40 days.