Small is BIG: A child, A command, A plan
Aaron Schlueter
Highlights:
A child:
Jesus re-defines what greatness looks like.
In the Kingdom of God, the one who is BIG is the one who makes himself small.
A command:
The two greatest commandments teach us to move from conduct to character.
In the economy of our hearts, small is BIG
A plan:
Practice sincere thankfulness
Share a meal with someone
Find a way to give that doesn’t advance your own “kingdom”
Discussion Questions:
What are some small acts that have had a big impact in your life?
What are some of the “small” areas of your life that God is calling you to grow into greater faith or faithfulness?
What is one way you can implement a “plan” like Aaron described for loving God and people?
Key Scriptures, Quotes and Definitions:
Definition: Great (Megas) – G3173: Big- exceedingly, great (-est), high, large, loud, mighty
Matthew 18:1-5
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Matthew 22:36-40
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.