Scripture For Today
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:3-5 NIV
When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, He was addressing their concern about greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Instead of giving them a lofty teaching on position or power, He pointed to a child. The image of a child standing among grown men with all their questions and ambitions must have been striking. Children were not seen as powerful in that society. They were dependent, humble, and without status. Yet Jesus used this very example to explain how the kingdom of God works.
To enter the kingdom, Jesus said, we must become like little children. This does not mean being immature or careless, but rather embracing the qualities of a child that reflect dependence, humility, and trust. A child knows they cannot do everything on their own. They look to their parents with expectation, believing that provision and protection will come. That same posture is what God desires from us.
Think of the way a child runs to their father’s arms without hesitation. There is no calculation, no fear of rejection, just pure trust. In the same way, our heavenly Father invites us to come to Him with the same openness. Psalm 37:5 encourages us: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” That simple trust is childlike faith in action.
Children also carry a sense of wonder. They see beauty in the simple things. They are quick to laugh, quick to forgive, and ready to believe. How often as adults do we lose this sense of wonder? Life’s trials, disappointments, and struggles can harden our hearts if we are not careful. Yet Jesus reminds us to return to that childlike posture of awe and faith. To marvel at the love of God and to trust Him fully with every detail of our lives.
There is also humility in a child’s heart. A child does not approach with pride or pretense. Instead, they come openly, ready to learn and ready to receive. This humility is what positions us for greatness in God’s kingdom. The world may equate greatness with status, wealth, or recognition, but in God’s eyes, greatness is measured by humility, faith, and love.
Finally, when Jesus said whoever welcomes a child in His name welcomes Him, He reminded us of the importance of valuing others, especially those who cannot repay us. To see people through the eyes of Christ is to welcome them with the same love and openness as we would a little child. It is to show kindness and grace without expecting anything in return.
Becoming like children before God does not mean losing wisdom, but rather coupling wisdom with humility and trust. It means keeping our hearts tender while walking in the knowledge of His Word. It means depending on God as Father, marveling at His goodness, and humbling ourselves in His presence.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Trust God with Simple Faith
Just as a child believes without hesitation, practice trusting God in the small details of your day. Pray before making decisions, even about things that seem ordinary. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. By submitting even the small things to Him, you train your heart to live in dependence on His guidance.
2. Cultivate Wonder and Gratitude
Take time to see the world through fresh eyes. Notice the beauty of creation, the kindness of others, and the blessings you may take for granted. A child delights in simple joys, and you can do the same by keeping a gratitude journal or pausing each day to thank God for what He has done. Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Gratitude restores a childlike wonder in your walk with Him.
3. Walk in Humility and Welcome Others
Children are not concerned with status or recognition. They simply desire to be accepted. Follow Christ’s example by walking humbly and valuing others, especially those who are often overlooked. Philippians 2:3 instructs, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” By welcoming others with genuine love, you reflect the heart of Christ.
Closing Encouragement
Jesus calls us to greatness not by striving for position but by becoming like little children. Trust Him with a child’s faith, delight in Him with childlike wonder, and humble yourself with the openness of a child’s heart. When you live this way, you not only draw nearer to the Father, but you also reflect His kingdom here on earth. Embrace the invitation to return to simplicity and trust, and watch how God’s presence fills every part of your life with peace and joy.