Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. – Matthew 18:4

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 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. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

When we receive Jesus as a child, it means that we approach Him with childlike faith and trust. Just as a child relies on their parents for guidance and provision, we approach Jesus with that same level of dependence and surrender. We humble ourselves, recognizing our need for Him and His love in our lives. It’s about having a simple, sincere, and wholehearted faith in Him.

Out of familiarity or sheer ignorance, many people today approach God with a sense of entitlement, they don’t have a sense of wonder and awe in the presence of God, like a child marveling at the beauty of the world. This attitude breeds contempt and disregard for the things of God. The Pharisees and religious zealots who served in the temples of God thought of themselves in this light, they were not open to learning and so they failed to see the Messiah when He was right in front of them. They held on to a belief that only them are holy, and only them are entitled to certain benefits.

As Jesus indicated in our scripture for today, people who think like that are least regarded in the kingdom of heaven. Those who have a childlike reverence for the wonder of God, those who are not wise in their own ways but are open to learning and growing, just as a child is eager to explore and discover new things, are the true children or God. Childlike faith is characterized by simplicity, trust, curiosity, and a genuine reliance on God.

We see how in John 3 an old Jewish Rabbi by name Nicodemus, humbled himself and sought after Jesus for insight and understanding. Unlike the other Jewish leaders, Nicodemus recognized Jesus as a teacher and wanted to understand His message better. Being a Rabbi himself, how Nicodemus approached Jesus with humility and a desire to seek truth is an example of a childlike faith.

It is my prayer that we all do not think highly of ourselves, but with humility we will approach Christ with a childlike faith – only by then shall we be considered great in the kingdom of God. So help us God, Amen.