TRUE GREATNESS

                   Matthew 18:1-14

                   Key Verse: 18:4

1. Read verses 1-4. What is “that time?” What question did the disciples ask Jesus? What kind of answer might they expect?

2.  What more basis question did Jesus answer first? What is required if one would enter the kingdom of heaven? How did Jesus emphasize his point? What was his answer to the disciples’ question? What does this mean?  (Mark 10:43-45)

3.  Read verses 5-6. What is the contrast in these two verses? What is the eternal significance of the way we treat “little ones?” What does it mean to welcome a child in Jesus’ name? Why is causing one who believes in Jesus to sin so great a sin?

4. Read verses 7-9. What does Jesus teach about things or people that cause one to sin? Why is this so serious?

5. Read verse 10. What does it mean to “look down on one of these little ones?” Why should we not?

6. Read verses (11) - 14. What does the good shepherd do when one of his 100 sheep wander off? What does this teach us about God? What must be our attitude toward God’s sheep? (10-14) Toward sin?