Like a child
Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:3-4).
Jesus’ message about becoming like a child in order to enter into and become great in the kingdom of heaven challenged the disciples’ perspective on things. The disciples argued about how one can be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, but their master told them they had to become like children to be great. But what does it mean to be like a child?
Children in many respects are considered innocence not having reached the age of accountability. They are also impressionable, learning to think and behave through their interactions with others. They also can be very curious and adventurous in exploring their world—because it is all new to them. All these are commendable qualities of children, and I believe Jesus would have been well aware of them and much more. Nevertheless, when the Lord spoke of becoming like a child, I believe it referred to the humble status of a child.
We all love children; however, in ancient Jewish culture as well as today, status and authority are often merited with age. The older one is the more respect they are to receive. Apart from the love they receive, children really do not carry much status, power, and privileges. Whatever status, power, and privilege a child might have is received vicariously from what the parents possess in the social pecking order.
The very words of becoming like a child are counterintuitive to all expectations. We think becoming great means acquiring influence through wealth, power, and prestige. Yet, the Lord finds greatness in our lowliness. James writes, “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6). Likewise, Peter writes, “Humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet. 5:6).
Jesus’ message about becoming like a child in order to enter into and become great in the kingdom of heaven challenged the disciples’ perspective on things. The disciples argued about how one can be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, but their master told them they had to become like children to be great. But what does it mean to be like a child?
Children in many respects are considered innocence not having reached the age of accountability. They are also impressionable, learning to think and behave through their interactions with others. They also can be very curious and adventurous in exploring their world—because it is all new to them. All these are commendable qualities of children, and I believe Jesus would have been well aware of them and much more. Nevertheless, when the Lord spoke of becoming like a child, I believe it referred to the humble status of a child.
We all love children; however, in ancient Jewish culture as well as today, status and authority are often merited with age. The older one is the more respect they are to receive. Apart from the love they receive, children really do not carry much status, power, and privileges. Whatever status, power, and privilege a child might have is received vicariously from what the parents possess in the social pecking order.
The very words of becoming like a child are counterintuitive to all expectations. We think becoming great means acquiring influence through wealth, power, and prestige. Yet, the Lord finds greatness in our lowliness. James writes, “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6). Likewise, Peter writes, “Humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Pet. 5:6).
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