"Who Is The Greatest"
“Truly I say to you, except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (v.3)
Here in chapter 18:1-5, our Lord set a little child before His disciples (who were arguing who would be the greatest in the kingdom v.1), solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom. What does this mean?
In Mark’s gospel we are given some insight into this portion of scripture. Mark says (Mark 9:35) that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that, "if any man desires to be first, the same shall be last and servant of all." That is, he shall be the most distinguished who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least of all.
Little children are, to a great extent, free from of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble, innocent and teachable. Jesus is telling His disciples to take on those characteristics, to lay aside their ambitious views and their pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station as a servant.
Therefore, far from being the greatest, “unless you be converted, and become as a little child, you shall not even enter into the kingdom of heaven.” He is teaching them there is no room for rivalry, jealousy, ambition, worldliness, distrust and conceit. That they must turn away from such failings and “Become as little children.”
A good lesson for us all.
The Truth
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
