At our Thursday night Bible class, we discussed the importance of context. I mentioned how context is the most important rule in hermeneutics (science and art of biblical interpretaion) and how we need to recognize not only the context in which the passage is found in, but the context (framework) in which we work with on an individual basis. Our experiences, views, and meanings actually come into play when we attempt to make sense out of the Scriptures.
An example I used was the following:
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6 KJV
I asked the class if they knew what the word closet meant as found in Matthew 6:6. The response was yes. One mentioned how his co-worker has a closet and occassionaly sleeps there after praying. I proceeded to tell them how a closet during the ancient world was in reference to a chamberoom which is similar to our living room arrangement. This is not in reference to a closet where we store our personal items, but rather a sizable room in which you can go to and pray. This is an example of operating from a context based on our own frame of reference which in essence is from our personal context in which we define and interpret things.
Our highlight for the night was observing the passage in Matthew 18. From research and conversations with other Christians, the typical understanding is that this passage shows you how to get into heaven. The humbling like that of a child, the expression of child-like faith, dependence on Christ as well as a willingness to obey are the key components for being born again. Is this so?
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 18:1-5 NKJ
A careful look will show you that His disciples were more concerned about who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. They were headed for heaven because they were already believers (cf. Matt:16:16). They wanted to see who would be the greatest in the future kingdom (millennial kingdom). This was not a question about getting into heaven but rather who would be the "best/greatest" in the upcoming 1000 year kingdom.
The child that Jesus called to Himself was instrumental in explaining to His disciples that co-ruling in the kingdom of heaven was built on humilty not arrogance. Jesus said that unless they would humble themselves like the little child in front of them they would not attain greatness in the kingdom.
It's also worth noting that Jesus also mentions that whoever receives one little child receives (Gk. decomai ) me. In other words, when a believer humbles himself he now becomes the child that Jesus was talking about in verse 3. And when another believer welcomes him, he in essence is welcoming Christ. This should motivate us in how we treat one another.
I gave the class an assignment to come up with the various ways in which this passage is explained. If you'd like to contribute to this compilation simply send me an email.
Steadfast in the Word,
Pastor Freddy
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