Many biblical principles reveal the pathways and requirements for receiving or inheriting eternal life. However, one statement made by Jesus stands out: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
As we celebrate the National Children Ministry Celebration, it is my heartfelt and passionate prayer that God will transform our hearts and give us the humility, faith and simplicity that characterise children.
The Question of Greatness
The statement in Matthew 18 forms part of a conversation between Jesus and His disciples. The disciples had approached Him with a question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1).
In response, Jesus called a little child and placed the child among them. He then said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Jesus was therefore not simply answering a question about who would be greatest. He was addressing the very attitude required of anyone who desires to enter God’s kingdom.
The Lord was not teaching His followers to become childish or intellectually immature. Rather, He was calling them to embrace qualities that children can exemplify—humility, teachability, trust and a willingness to depend on others.
The Character of a Child
Children are generally teachable, receptive and willing to learn. They can be corrected and guided, and they often approach life with a sense of trust and dependence.
Jesus therefore teaches us that those who desire greatness in the kingdom must first humble themselves.
We must be willing to learn, unlearn and relearn. We must not become stiff-necked or resistant to correction. We must allow the Word of God to shape our attitudes, decisions and conduct.
The kingdom of God requires a heart that is willing to submit to God.
Jesus said, “Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).
True greatness in God’s kingdom is therefore not measured by status, position, wealth or influence. It begins with humility before God and others.
Receiving the Little Ones
Jesus went further to say, “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5).
This statement reminds us of our responsibility towards children and, indeed, towards all those who place their trust in Christ. We are called to receive, nurture, guide and protect them.
The Church must therefore create an environment where children can encounter Christ, ask questions, learn the Scriptures and grow in their faith.
Jesus also issued a strong warning against causing any of these little ones who believe in Him to stumble (Matthew 18:6). The warning is particularly significant for those entrusted with the responsibility of teaching and nurturing others in the faith.
We must be careful not to misrepresent Scripture or lead people into error through false teaching. Those who teach the Word must handle it faithfully and ensure that their lives do not contradict the message they proclaim.
Rather than becoming stumbling blocks, we must become guides who lead others towards Christ.
Three Lessons from Children
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18 highlights important qualities that Christians, and especially those involved in Children Ministry, must embrace.
1. Humility
We must learn to live in humility. Scripture encourages us to value others above ourselves and not to be consumed by the desire for recognition or superiority.
True greatness in the kingdom of God begins when we recognise our dependence on Him and treat others with honour and respect.
We must also teach our children the value of humility, helping them to understand that greatness is not about being above others but about serving God and humanity.
2. Tolerance and Patience
We must be patient with children and create room for them to learn. Children will ask questions, make mistakes and sometimes test our patience. Nevertheless, we must lovingly guide them.
We must not hinder children from coming to Christ. Instead, we must nurture them in the Word, answer their questions and provide an environment in which their faith can grow.
As we build them up, we must prepare them to become responsible Christians who can make a positive impact in society.
3. Childlike Faith
Believing like a child does not mean believing without wisdom or understanding. Rather, it points to a sincere and trusting dependence on God.
Childlike faith recognises God’s faithfulness and confidently trusts His Word and promises.
We are called to depend on God rather than relying solely on our own strength, wisdom or achievements. Such faith requires humility because it acknowledges that God knows what is best for us.
The Kingdom Belongs to Such as These
Jesus reinforced this teaching on several occasions. In Mark 10:14–15, when His disciples attempted to prevent children from coming to Him, Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
He added that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Luke 18:17 records the same teaching, emphasising the importance of receiving God’s kingdom with the humility and trust demonstrated by children.
The message is therefore clear: entry into God’s kingdom requires transformation of the heart.
Jesus calls us to lay aside pride, self-importance and self-reliance and embrace humility, trust and dependence on God.
As we celebrate the National Children Ministry Celebration, may we not only celebrate our children but also learn from them.
May God give us hearts that are humble enough to learn, patient enough to nurture others and trusting enough to depend completely on Him.
May we become like little children—not in immaturity, but in humility, faith, teachability and complete dependence on God.
And may our children grow to know Christ, love His Word and become vessels through whom God will transform society.
Written by Pastor E. Owusu (Mpasaso District -Tepa Area)
