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MAIN POINT #1: Greatness Starts With Humility  

^{Matthew 18:1–4, Philippians 2:3–8, James 4:6, Matthew 23:12, John 3:30}

Jesus pointed to a , not a .

Humility is not thinking of myself; it’s thinking of myself .

MAIN POINT #2: The Church Protects People From Sin

^{Matthew 18:5–7, Romans 14:13–23, Hebrews 10:24}

How I treat God’s is how I treat .

Sin doesn’t just affect ; it pulls people away from .

MAIN POINT #3: Sin Must Be Cut Off

^{Matthew 18:8–9, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22, Romans 13:14, Colossians 3:5}

What I spiritually today will grow stronger tomorrow.

Jesus calls me to from whatever leads me away from .

MAIN POINT #4: The Father Pursues The One

^{Matthew 18:10–14, Hebrews 1:14, Luke 15:4–7, 2 Peter 3:9, Ezekiel 34:11–12, 16}

God relentlessly those who wander.

The heart of the Father is , not separation.

WARM UP

1. In the passage this weekend, Jesus said we should come to God like a child. What were you like as a child? Is there a quality you had then that you wish you had more of as an adult?
   
   
2. The disciples wanted to know who was going to be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. What do most people in today’s world think makes someone “great”?
   
   
3. Was there anything about this message you found new, confusing, or encouraging?
   
   

KNOW IT

Reread this week’s passage (Matthew 18:1–14) together and answer the following questions.

1. The disciples were arguing over “who’s the greatest.” Where in your life are you tempted to compare yourself to others or measure your importance? Based on Jesus’ reply in the passage, what do you think He would say to you about that situation or area?
   
   
2. Jesus used the example of a child to represent the kind of humility we are to have. In what ways are children humble or lowly? How do you think those qualities paint a picture of the humility Jesus is talking about?
   
   
3. In verses 6-14, Jesus uses strong language about causing others to stumble and then tells a story about pursuing one sheep, showing that He cares deeply about vulnerable and wandering people. What do you notice about greatness and/or humility here?
   
   

SHARE IT

1. We were reminded this weekend that sin can create distance in our relationship with God. How have you seen or experienced that in your life? Explain. What do you think that kind of distance looks like?
   
   
2. On the other hand, in this passage, we see a God who actively seeks the sheep that wanders away. When have you seen God pursue or bring someone back, either in your own life or someone else’s?
   
   

LIVE IT

1. Read John 3:30. This is a beautiful picture of how humility makes us more Christlike. Where in your life do you feel the tension between promoting yourself and surrendering to God? What might it look like to “decrease” in a practical way this week?
   
   
2. Jesus says that the shepherd will leave the 99 to rescue the one. As the 99, we’re invited to care about the ones who have wandered. Who is someone you’re praying for to reconnect with God? What would it look like to consistently pray for or gently reach out to them this week?