In Matthew 18 What Does It Mean To Become Like A Child In Order To Enter The Kingdom Of Heaven?

Understanding Matthew 18: Becoming Like a Child to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

In Matthew 18:1-5 ASV, Jesus gives a profound teaching about greatness in the kingdom of heaven. This passage has inspired generations to consider what it truly means to be "childlike" in the eyes of God. Let’s explore the context, meaning, and implications of Jesus’ words.

The Setting: The Disciples’ Question

The chapter begins with the disciples approaching Jesus with a question about status:

In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? - Matthew 18:1 ASV

Their question reveals a common human concern: ambition and desire for recognition. Jesus’ answer, however, subverts their expectations.

Jesus’ Object Lesson: The Child in Their Midst

Jesus responds with a living illustration:

And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:2-3 ASV

Instead of ranking the disciples, Jesus makes a startling statement: only those who become like children can even enter the kingdom, much less be great in it.

What Does It Mean to "Become Like a Child"?

Here, Jesus is not calling for a return to childishness, but to childlikeness. The difference is significant:

Humility: Children in first-century Palestine had no social status or power. Jesus highlights humility as essential for kingdom entrance.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:4 ASV
Trust and Dependence: Children rely entirely on their caregivers for provision and protection. Similarly, believers are called to depend wholly on God.
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5 ASV
Teachability and Openness: Children are eager to learn, unpretentious, and receptive. Jesus calls His followers to have receptive hearts toward God’s word.
Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. - James 1:21 ASV

It’s important to note that Jesus is not endorsing immaturity or naiveté. Rather, He calls for a spirit that is humble, trusting, and receptive—qualities that stand in contrast to pride, self-sufficiency, and ambition.

Why Is This So Important?

Jesus’ teaching underscores that entry into God’s kingdom is not based on human merit, status, or achievement, but on humility and faith. Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith:

For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8 ASV

The childlike posture is the opposite of self-righteousness. It acknowledges one’s need and accepts God’s provision freely, just as a child depends on a loving parent.

Christ’s Example and Further Application

Elsewhere, Jesus Himself models humility:

Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself... - Philippians 2:5-7 ASV

The call to become like a child is a call to follow Jesus’ own example of humble submission to the Father.

Conclusion: The Heart of the Kingdom

In summary, to "become like a child" is to approach God with humility, trust, and openness, abandoning self-reliance and pride. This is the posture that receives the kingdom of heaven. May we embrace this childlike faith, remembering Jesus’ words:

But Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 19:14 ASV

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