Matthew 18:1-14
18: At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 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.
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14 So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Reflection
The theme that binds this section together is God’s concern for the spiritually needy: the powerless, victims of sinful people, and sinners who have wronged others. Those who are citizens of the kingdom of heaven recognize their dependence on God, just as children know they are dependent on those who care for them (Matt. 18:1–4; see also 11:25; 19:13–15). The kingdom is a place where the powerless are cared for (18:5, 12–14) and abuse of them is not tolerated (vv. 6–10).
Romans 15:22-33
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Reflection
These verses help prepare for Paul’s eventual arrival in Rome. They also demonstrate aspects of the gospel’s work in Paul’s own life. He desires to be with the Romans, whom he has never seen (Rom. 15:22–23). He has continuing enthusiasm and desire to unite with the Romans in spreading the good news (v. 24). However, before he can go to Rome, he must travel to Jerusalem to bring money intended to ease the suffering that is occurring among Jewish believers in that region (vv. 25–28; cf. 1 Cor. 16:1–3). After going to Jerusalem, he is optimistic that he will make his way to Rome to continue his gospel ministry (Rom. 15:28–29).
In the work of ministering the gospel, prayer is a primary key to success (v. 30; see Eph. 6:18–19). Additionally, we must realize that often we are faced with hurdles and dangers in the work of the kingdom. We must accept this fact, and we must also learn to courageously trust God despite the difficulties (Rom. 15:31). God is good to his servants, and he will provide the appropriate refreshment and peace to handle whatever may come (vv. 32–33).
Psalm 32:6
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.
Just as communication is essential for any healthy relationship, your prayers are a vital part of your relationship with God. Make it a daily habit to speak with him about his Word and share your praises, thanksgivings, concerns, and requests with him.