Divine Connections

Children, angels, and sheep are the topics of this investigation. We look to the parable found in Matthew 18:10-14, and again, by way of reference, in Luke 15:3-7. The main parable, as seen in Matthew, is told to the disciples in the context of a broader discussion. In that setting, Christ relays important facts.

The disciples had gathered around to ask, “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” First of all, then, know it is a 'kingdom' that is being discussed. Positions of power and authority were of interest. A big question for all Jews of that day was why the people of God occupied such a low rung on the Roman ladder.

To this end, Christ placed a small child in the midst of his companions in order that he might illustrate the nature of greatness in the eyes of God. When I say greatness, I mean excellence, beauty, desirability. The nature of a child is then expounded upon. That nature, for the purpose of this present study, requires a better understanding on our part.

Christ told his disciples that for them to even have a shot at getting into the kingdom, they all must convert to become like the child. He was telling adults to become child-like. Further, he described the highest rank in the kingdom as the nature of lowliness. In this case, a brutally honest and self-defacing nature is not what Christ is pointing to. Rather, he is directing our attention toward the nature of acceptance, learning, belief, and looking up in the sense of a willing faith coupled with excitement.

It is vital to note Christ's addendum to this, that if any of us receive someone of this nature in his stead, it is equal in every respect to receiving Christ. To learn of Christ, is Christ. To seek, and to communicate the Word, is the Word. This higher nature is the expression of love, joy, yearning, and sharing all rolled into one.

A short list of offenses follow, and it is important that we see all of them as offenses against the child-like nature rather than against the child. Christ shows an acceptance of the inevitability of offenses; even the Son of God knows and accepts that bad things happen, but he places the blame squarely on the offender. Yet, not even the offender is cut off completely, for if they rectify the matter, they may still enter into life – albeit maimed or blind.

Christ views the 'little ones' who believe in him in a very personal way. The nature of belief is a part of him – who is the greatest in heaven. The connection is not hypothetical or metaphorical, but real in every sense. Speaking of connections, Christ uses specific language as he leads into his parable. For starters, the angel of the little one is not 'an' angel, neither is 'the' used, but rather, 'their angel'. These angels are always in direct connection with God.

On the point of God, Christ calls him 'Father' not once but twice. In both instances, Christ makes sure to point out that the 'Father' is in heaven -- or the kingdom. This I believe is in reference to the Jewish standard belief that their father was Abraham. Christ lifts fatherhood above the merely nationalistic and racially motivated – way up to the kingdom of heaven. Heaven is a totally different kind of kingdom – a kingdom of spirit and nature. Further, Christ connects himself and his followers under the same 'Father'. In one instance he says, “my Father”, but in another instance he says, “your Father”.

Then Christ tells of the one hundred sheep. A variation of this parable is found in Luke. I include it here, and add it to the former, to give the Matthew version added depth. Here, we will view the 'sheep' and 'little ones' as identical. We will view Christ as the shepherd, and we will view the angels of the little ones as the 'neighbors' of God. Christ plainly stated the he came to save the lost. In the seeking of the lost little one, who believes in him, there is joy.

There is more joy for the one that was found than for the ninety-nine that stayed put. Envision God as the one who found his lost sheep. He throws it over his shoulder, and when he gets home, he calls the angels to rejoice with him. Christ is the shepherd of the sheep who came to save the lost, but he told his disciples

this: “is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” The little ones, greatest in God's kingdom, are connected to God (who is one with Christ) through the angels, and Christ is one in nature with the little ones.