What is the Kingdom of Heaven?
It is God’s wonderful rule. It is so good that it is called the good news (gospel) of the kingdom–a desirable state.
It is a lifestyle into which Jesus called his disciples to enter and to live under. It is so precious, so important, that people are urged to enter it, no matter what it may cost (Mat 13:44-45).
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3-4
Let’s look closely at this passage:
Context:
This passage is part of a larger discourse in Matthew 18, often called the “Discourse on the Church”.”
The immediate context is that the disciples asked Jesus, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). Jesus responds by calling a little child to stand among them (Matthew 18:2) and then speaks the words in verses 3-4.
Key Words and Phrases:
“Truly I tell you” (Amen lego humin): This term Jesus often used as for a solemn affirmation that what follows is important and true.
“unless you turn and become like little children”: Turning, the first step, is critical. The Greek word for “change” (strepho) can also mean “turn” or “convert.” It implies a fundamental transformation. The requirement is to become like a child.
“you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”: This is a strong statement about the necessity of this transformation for entering the kingdom of h eaven and the salvation it brings.
“whoever humbles himself like this little child”: The Greek word for “humbling oneself ” (tapeinose) refers to humility, lowliness, or a state of being humble.
“is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven“: Jesus contrasted the world’s view of greatness (power, status) with the kingdom’s view — humility and childlike dependence.
What is it about a little child that Jesus should ask people to become in order to enter this kingdom?
It is humility. Lack of pride. Absence of self-reliance. Total trust in our heavenly Father.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.
Interpretation
The child is used as an example of humility, trust, and dependence. In the ancient world, children had low social status; they were dependent and without pretension.
Jesus is not saying that adults should be childish (immature) but childlike in their faith — trusting, humble, and without arrogance.
To “become like little children” means to abandon self-sufficiency and pride and to rely completely on God.
The transformation (“turn”) is a necessary condition for entering the kingdom — it is a call to conversion.
The reversal of values: the greatest in the kingdom is the one who is humble like a child.
Theological Themes:
Humility: Essential for discipleship and kingdom citizenship.
Kingdom access: Entry into the kingdom requires a change of heart and attitude.
Greatness in the kingdom: Defined by service and humility, not by power or status.
Application:
As followers of Jesus we must embrace humility and dependence on God.
Christian communities should value and practice humility, service, and care for and honour the weak.
In the ancient world, children were considered weak and vulnerable. They are still vulnerable today.
Conclusion
Jesus uses a child as an object lesson to teach that humility and childlike trust are essential for entering and being great in the kingdom of heaven.
Today, this teaching still challenges worldly notions of control, power and status and calls for a transformation of the heart.
Ian Thomson 