“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1, KJV).
The disciples asked Jesus this question. He responded by placing a little child in the midst of them. As He often did, He used their question for a teachable moment.
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus replied (v. 3).
That did not answer the disciples’ question. But it was relevant to their question. Before one can be greatest in the Kingdom, he must first enter the Kingdom. And Jesus says the requirement for entering heaven is to be converted and become as a little child.
How ironic it is that we spend the days of our youth looking forward to becoming an adult. But to enter heaven, we must become as a little child again. Not in terms of our understanding but in terms of our faith and reliance upon the Lord. As parents are to a little child, God is the one who supplies all of our needs.
Then Jesus answered the disciples’ question: “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (v. 4). This Kingdom approach to greatness goes against the grain of our society. Those who are great in this world are bigger than life. They tend to have money, power, and a sense of superiority. Hence, humility is seldom associated with greatness in this world.
To be sure, Jesus’ response was not what the disciples expected. Their question suggests that they considered themselves candidates for being the greatest in the Kingdom. After all, they were the Lord’s inner circle. They had left everything to follow Him. But again, the little child amid them reflected heaven’s standard for greatness.
Ways of a Little Child
Think about the relationship between a little child and his or her parents. A little child does not doubt his parents. Children–little children–can believe the most far-fetched promises from mom or dad. Our heavenly Father wants us to have that kind of child-like faith in Him. A little child’s faith is not mixed with doubt but is pure.
My wife and I have six children, all now adults. As one might expect, we depended on the help of family members and friends to look after our children at times. I remember how our toddlers used to cry in protest when we left them with someone else for a few hours for us to go out.
Then I remember their excitement when we returned to get them. Similarly, like a little child toward his earthly parents, we should desire to always be in the presence of our heavenly Father.
Moreover, we must become humble ourself as a little child. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). That means an elderly usher can be greater in the Kingdom than a charismatic pastor of a mega church . Greatness in the eyes of God does not come through notoriety and accomplishments. Rather, through faithfully serving the Lord in the spirit of child-like humility.
Copyright © 2023 by Frank King. All rights reserved.