Become Like Little Children

 

 

 

 

 

 Mt 18:1-5, 10

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

¹⁰ “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

 

Jesus extols the lowliness, innocence, and simplicity of a little child when asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  One would think a brave, intelligent, articulate adult would have been the answer, but no, it's a child who gets the place of honor! Jesus's answer is a wake-up call to us to 'KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!" as folks in AA love to remind us. We might benefit from observing and imitating children more often, asking ourselves, "What can I learn from this child that will make me a better adult?"

 Bro. Rene

 

Dear Jesus, help me to become a trusting, spontaneous child again. Amen.