Matthew 18:3
and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just saying "be nice like kids." He's emphasizing that true entry into God's kingdom requires a radical internal turn – a complete reorientation away from worldly ambition and self-importance towards the humble, teachable dependence that’s characteristic of a little child. Without this profound inner shift, even the closest followers will be barred from entering.
The disciples, eager to know who will be the greatest in Jesus' kingdom, have just prompted Jesus to hold up a child as an example. In response to their ambition and a subtle argument among them, Jesus declares that anyone who doesn't turn and become like a child cannot even enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone be great within it. This sets the stage for Jesus to further explain the characteristics of true greatness in his kingdom, contrasting it with the worldly notions the disciples hold.
Ever feel stuck or off track in your faith journey? Jesus uses a powerful word here that's more than just a change of mind.
Jesus' command to 'be converted' here isn't just about a general turning towards God, but a radical reorientation. It means to 'turn around,' to face the opposite direction from where you were going. The disciples were focused on earthly power and status, caught up in ambitious thoughts about who would be 'greatest' in a future kingdom. Jesus calls them to turn away from those worldly views and redirect their entire perspective.
This isn't just a minor adjustment; it's a fundamental shift in direction, a complete change of mind and heart about what God's kingdom truly is. Without this decisive 'turn,' entry is impossible.
Jesus points to children as the ultimate example for entering God's kingdom. What specific qualities does He want us to adopt?
When Jesus says 'become like little children,' He's not suggesting we become immature or irresponsible. Instead, He highlights specific, beautiful characteristics found in young children:
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These are the qualities that open the door to God's kingdom, directly contrasting with the disciples' ambition for greatness.
The disciples were asking about who would be the 'greatest.' Jesus’ answer dramatically lowers the bar – and raises the stakes.
The disciples’ question was about hierarchy: 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' They were already envisioning ranks and positions within God's reign. Jesus’ response is a powerful corrective, shifting the focus entirely.
He doesn't engage with their question about rank but addresses the prerequisite for entry. He declares, 'you will never enter' the kingdom. This isn't about being the greatest; it’s about whether the door will open at all. This stark warning underscores that the childlike disposition isn't merely a suggestion for better standing; it's the fundamental condition for belonging to God's kingdom.
Understand the original words
amēn · Greek Adverb/Interjection
A solemn, emphatic introductory formula used by Jesus to underscore the truth and divine authority of his subsequent statement.
strefō · Greek Verb
A complete change of mind and direction; biblically, it signifies turning away from sin and self-centeredness toward God.
This passage describes the characteristics of love, which align with the childlike qualities Jesus emphasizes here: humility, lack of envy, and absence of boastfulness are core to both.
Matthew 5:3Jesus declares 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,' directly linking spiritual poverty and humility to entering God's kingdom, echoing the need to be like children.
Mark 10:14-15Here, Jesus explicitly says, 'Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it,' reinforcing the core message of Matthew 18:3.
Colossians 3:10-11Paul speaks of putting on the new self, 'which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew,circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.' This highlights the unity and equality that mirrors the simple, unpretentious spirit of a child, contrasting with the disciples' desire for hierarchy.
henryMatthew 18:1-6: "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
18:1-6 Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples fasten upon that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear and speak of privileges and glory, who are willing to pass by the thoughts of work and trouble. Our Lord set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children,…
bensonMatthew 18:3: "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3-4 . And said, Verily I say unto you — What I say is an undoubted and most important truth, a truth which you ought not only firmly to believe but seriously to lay to heart: except ye be converted — Turned from these worldly and carnal views and desires; and become like little children — “Free from pride, covetousness, and ambition, a…
Jesus isn't just saying "be nice like kids." He's emphasizing that true entry into God's kingdom requires a radical internal turn – a complete reorientation away from worldly ambition and self-importance towards the humble, teachable dependence that’s characteristic of a little child. Without this profound inner shift, even the closest followers will be barred from entering.
The disciples, eager to know who will be the greatest in Jesus' kingdom, have just prompted Jesus to hold up a child as an example. In response to their ambition and a subtle argument among them, Jesus declares that anyone who doesn't turn and become like a child cannot even enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone be great within it. This sets the stage for Jesus to further explain the characteristics of true greatness in his kingdom, contrasting it with the worldly notions the disciples hold.
The disciples, eager to know who will be the greatest in Jesus' kingdom, have just prompted Jesus to hold up a child as an example. In response to their ambition and a subtle argument among them, Jesus declares that anyone who doesn't turn and become like a child cannot even enter the kingdom of heaven, let alone be great within it. This sets the stage for Jesus to further explain the characteristics of true greatness in his kingdom, contrasting it with the worldly notions the disciples hold.
"and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." — Jesus isn't just saying "be nice like kids." He's emphasizing that true entry into God's kingdom requires a radical internal turn – a complete reorientation away from worldly ambition and self-impo…
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