Jesus in responding to the question (Matthew 18:1-5) of who is the greatest in the kingdom, called a little child and taught  that except men and women are converted and become as little children, they can by no means enter the Kingdom. This statement conveys to us that little children possess the qualities which we need to learn and practice after we are converted, if we wish to make heaven our home. Except we adopt a disposition of humility, that of a little child, we can by no means enter the Kingdom. Entering into the kingdom, representing Jesus Christ and becoming great in the sight of God requires that our attitude reflect childlike submission.

Jesus again demonstrates that children are our best examples (Mark 10:14). In indignation he instructed the disciples not to prevent the little children from coming to Him “for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’. He went further to teach that “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Never Enter It! These are strong words, but coming from Jesus we know that they are not carelessly said and will carry their weight to the end. Our best opportunity therefore is to conform our lives to the example set, if we wish to enter the kingdom, represent Jesus and be great in His sight.

Greatness in His sight requires attitudes of humility, meekness, trust and reliance which generally are traits possessed by children. The more we strive to develop those within ourselves, the more we are prepared to take hold on the kingdom of God. In (Matthew 5), Jesus gives ownership of the kingdom to two groups, those who are persecuted for righteousness sake and those who are poor in spirit. Should we not want to develop this kind of attitude so as to ensure that we enter the kingdom?

Let us become as little children for Jesus Christ.