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. 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)
The disciples were often concerned about the question of greatness. They seem to ask this question thinking that Jesus had already chosen one of them as greatest. Therefore, they wanted hear it from Him who among them would hold the highest position in the administration He would soon establish. His answer was very humbling.
Jesus 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 became like a little child pure in heart, they could not enter His kingdom.
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 the 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. 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)
