Friday Reflection**August 21, 2020**Q & A with Jesus*

Hello Friends, HAPPY FRIDAY.I trust you are all keeping well and safe as we continue to battle with COVID 19 and all the other challenges 2020 brings. *Inspired by God, we continue to search the scriptures for comfort, light and life.* Whether relating to COVID 19 or not. We must remain steadfast , unmovable and rooted in the word of God!.*Walk with me today, as we reflect on this passage of scripture:*At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.*Matthew 18:1‭-‬3 NIV*https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.18.1-3.NIV*The focus today is on the question asked by the disciples and Jesus’ response* *The question:*They came to Jesus and asked, *‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’* This question comes after Jesus has already told his disciples twice about the suffering and death that awaits him in Jerusalem also, after he has told them that following him entails denying themselves and taking up the cross. Matthew Henry puts it this way: It seems that Jesus’ message has not truly penetrated the minds and hearts of the disciples. Perhaps they have heard the part about the kingdom of heaven drawing near, but they have not understood what kind of kingdom this is, for they are preoccupied with questions of their status in this kingdom.*The response:*In response, Jesus calls a child, places the child among them, and tells them that *unless they change and become as little children, they will never even enter the kingdom*. What does that even mean? Again, I like how Mr. Henry puts it, he says: As long as they are concerned about their own status, they have missed the point completely. A child in the ancient world was without status or rights, completely dependent on the good will of others to care for him or her. Notice that Jesus does not tell the disciples that they should have faith like a little child — as if they could bring about this kind of faith on their own –not all all, instead he said that they need to become like little children. Jesus further specifies what this means in the following verse: “Whoever humbles themselves like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”.*With that said, I just want to say to us today:*1. Be mindful of the questions you are asking Jesus2. Listen keenly to his response3. Try to pay attention to the words and phrases in his response.4. Be careful that what you are asking of him isn’t selfish5. Do not get caught up with your agenda , you might miss out on the blessings that he has in store for you!. Have a good day!Stay safe! Stay true! BlessingsShaneka Raymore EuphfaBIBLE.COMMatthew 18:1-3 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of