What qualities of a child should we emulate to enter the kingdom of heaven? Setting the Scene “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ ” (Matthew 18:1). Their concern about rank prompted Jesus to call a little child over and place that child at the center of the lesson (vv. 2-4). By doing so, He clarified that entering—let alone being “great” in—the kingdom requires adopting distinctly childlike qualities. Key Childlike Qualities Jesus Highlights • Humble Lowliness – “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). – Children in the first-century world had no social status. Emulating them means releasing any self-importance and gladly accepting the least place (cf. Luke 14:7-11; Philippians 2:3-5). • Willingness to Turn (Repent) – “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). – The word “change” (strephō) pictures turning around. A child turns quickly when corrected; kingdom people remain continuously repentant (Acts 3:19). • Trusting Dependence – Infants rely entirely on their parents for protection and provision. Likewise, we rest wholly on our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:25-33; Proverbs 3:5-6). – Mark 10:15 parallels the lesson: “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it”. • Receptive Teachability – Children are eager learners, unembarrassed to ask “why.” God’s people receive His word with that same openness (Psalm 119:130; James 1:21). – A teachable spirit safeguards against the pride that blinds (1 Corinthians 8:1-2). • Guileless Sincerity – Little ones rarely mask motives; what you see is what you get. Kingdom citizens speak the truth from the heart (Psalm 15:1-2; 2 Corinthians 1:12). • Quick-Forgiving Spirit – Children can quarrel and then play together minutes later. Jesus follows this discourse with teaching on forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35), showing that childlike readiness to release offenses exemplifies kingdom life. Living These Qualities Today – Regularly examine your heart for hidden pride; consciously take the lower place in conversations, service, and recognition. – Cultivate immediate repentance: when the Spirit convicts, turn without delay. – Depend on the Father in prayer for daily bread, wisdom, and guidance—concrete acts that admit need. – Keep a lifelong learner’s posture toward Scripture; approach each passage expecting correction and growth. – Speak plainly and honestly; let your “Yes” be yes and your “No,” no (Matthew 5:37). – Practice swift forgiveness in family, church, and workplace, mirroring the rapid reconciliations of children at play. The kingdom welcomes those who come small, trusting, and responsive—just like the child Jesus placed before His disciples. |
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