“About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.'” – Matthew 18:1-4
The heart of a child is beautiful, innocent and pure. Faith is bound up in their hearts. It’s no wonder that Jesus would illustrate the characteristics of the kingdom with a child. “He called a little child to Him.” Notice that the young one came at once and He set him “among them.” That the child came at Jesus’ first call and was willing to be placed in the middle of the crowd as Jesus asked is evidence of the Lord’s sweet and gentle manner. Can’t you just see the smile on Jesus’ face as He bid him to come? What a charming and approachable way there was about Jesus as He placed His new little friend before the big and manly disciples.
Look closely at the details of this story. The child’s example impressed upon the men that they would find life much easier to live if Jesus filled their field of view. That little hand in the hand of the Savior brought home the reality that the Lord held their lives in His hands too. And from the pedestal atop Jesus’ lap, that little guy could look straight into the incarnate face of God, finding acceptance and love. As the disciples looked on, they saw an exchange that others have difficulty learning; that entrance into the kingdom is as simple as becoming a child again, full of faith and trust in God. My friend, take the time to become “small” again. Listen to the voice of Jesus calling you to be as innocent as a child.
Pastor Jack