03/09/2026
Matthew 18:1-6 (NKJV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
The heart of a child is Christ's answer for those who are deemed as the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And one would think that a kingdom as mighty and powerful as Jesus' would declare the most decorated archangels or prophets as the greatest. However, in God's divine, omnipresent, omniscient, all-powerful mind, He views those who are like children in spirit to have such a title. Why?
There could be a multitude of reasons in our minds, but as decreed by the Lord in His Word, one reason is clear: because children are humble in nature. In the truest sense of the word: they have an instinct to submit to those of greater stature (whether that be in wisdom, physical appearance or knowledge) and that has been true since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve (being in their infancy relative to the creation timeline) had this attitude about them, but they utilized it to instead submit/humble themselves to sin and death instead of the Almighty; therefore, severing the tie between the creation made in God's image and Himself.
Their choice on behalf of all human creation solidified our place as children, yes, but no longer children of righteousness, but children of wrath. Our spiritual heritage was made (by our choice) to be corrupt from a formerly perfect state. This humble nature previously used to preserve the innocence of mankind was the means by which mankind gave in to the lusts of their flesh; the means by which they decided to sin. Sin that mankind was willing to submit to. Their choices were clear: humble themselves to the Word of God who told them not to eat of the fruit or humble themselves to the lie of sin that they would become like God if they ate of the fruit, which (in all reality) was pride in its infancy.
All this to say, the "humble" nature/instinct remained in that the human creation always sought to subject themselves to something/someone. However, this "humble" nature was now corrupt in that it chose/chooses everything else but God. Nevertheless, God did not leave humanity in that state. He sent His Son so that whoever humbles themselves, takes up their cross daily and follows Jesus can be called, no longer children of wrath, but a new creation as children of God.
This humble nature is essential to God. He engrained it into humanity; and though humanity willingly chose to corrupt it, God still chose to redeem it:
John 1:12-13
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
To those who have ears, let them hear: the greatest in the kingdom of heaven are those who turn and become like children, for their new birth is a direct product of the gospel of Jesus Christ that calls them to new life in Him as children of the Most High. And not a single one of His own can ever be separated from Him ever again.
