Be like little children.
Jesus taught that to enter God’s kingdom, our hearts must become like the hearts of little children. He said in Matthew 18:3–4, NKJV, “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.” With these words, Jesus shows that a childlike heart begins with a change inside. We let go of pride, we stop trying to rise above others, and we learn to stand before God the way a child stands before a loving parent, without pretending and without showing off. A small child is not concerned with high position. Instead, they simply trust, listen, and receive care. Jesus says a humble spirit like this is honored in heaven.
Jesus adds more in Matthew 19:14, NKJV: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Children came to Him freely because they had no fear of being judged or rejected. Jesus shows that the kingdom belongs to those who approach Him with the same open heart, without shame, without pride, and without trying to protect an image.
His disciples teach the same spirit. John reminds us that we are called God’s children. In 1 John 3:1–3, NKJV, he says that those who have this hope in God “purify” themselves, just as He is pure, because real children copy the goodness of their Father. Peter also uses simple childlike language in 1 Peter 2:2, NKJV, when he tells believers to desire the word of God “as newborn babes,” meaning with innocence, hunger, and no pride, the way a baby reaches for milk because it knows it needs it to grow.
The Old Testament also shows this childlike heart. David speaks of it in Psalm 131:1–2, NKJV: “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters… Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother.” David describes a heart that rests in God with quiet trust and without the heavy weight of pride.
All these verses together show what Jesus means. To be like little children is to come to God with a soft and honest heart. It means trusting Him instead of leaning on our own pride. It means being willing to learn, quick to listen, ready to obey, and easy to forgive. A child does not hide behind long arguments or a false image. They simply come. Jesus says this is the heart that enters His kingdom because this heart can be shaped, guided, and filled with His life.
Blessings
Jesus taught that to enter God’s kingdom, our hearts must become like the hearts of little children. He said in Matthew 18:3–4, NKJV, “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.” With these words, Jesus shows that a childlike heart begins with a change inside. We let go of pride, we stop trying to rise above others, and we learn to stand before God the way a child stands before a loving parent, without pretending and without showing off. A small child is not concerned with high position. Instead, they simply trust, listen, and receive care. Jesus says a humble spirit like this is honored in heaven.
Jesus adds more in Matthew 19:14, NKJV: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Children came to Him freely because they had no fear of being judged or rejected. Jesus shows that the kingdom belongs to those who approach Him with the same open heart, without shame, without pride, and without trying to protect an image.
His disciples teach the same spirit. John reminds us that we are called God’s children. In 1 John 3:1–3, NKJV, he says that those who have this hope in God “purify” themselves, just as He is pure, because real children copy the goodness of their Father. Peter also uses simple childlike language in 1 Peter 2:2, NKJV, when he tells believers to desire the word of God “as newborn babes,” meaning with innocence, hunger, and no pride, the way a baby reaches for milk because it knows it needs it to grow.
The Old Testament also shows this childlike heart. David speaks of it in Psalm 131:1–2, NKJV: “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters… Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother.” David describes a heart that rests in God with quiet trust and without the heavy weight of pride.
All these verses together show what Jesus means. To be like little children is to come to God with a soft and honest heart. It means trusting Him instead of leaning on our own pride. It means being willing to learn, quick to listen, ready to obey, and easy to forgive. A child does not hide behind long arguments or a false image. They simply come. Jesus says this is the heart that enters His kingdom because this heart can be shaped, guided, and filled with His life.
Blessings
