Like a little child

Like a little child

Scripture:-

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:1-5

Observation:-

The little child smiles, barely suppressing a giggle as the Lord places him right in the middle of His disciples. Widely smiling, the Lord places his hands on the little child’s shoulders, and says “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The disciples look at each another in astonishment, pondering this latest paradoxical statement when the Lord adds “Therefore whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Tousling the child’s hair as he scoots off to play, the Lord concludes “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

The disciples had come to ask the Lord who would be greatest in the kingdom of Heaven but the Lord effectively told them. “You want to be great in Heaven? Be like this little child. Unless you can change and be like them, forget about even entering Heaven! What is it about little children that the Lord refers to here? Is it their simple faith, believing whatever you tell them? Is it their simple trust, easily trusting you without being wary of some hidden agenda? The Lord refers specifically to their humility. Being a child, they naturally accept that adults know better than them, and are not afraid to look for help instead of trying to do everything themselves. One typical hallmark of children is also their curiosity. When they don’t know, they ask, unlike adults who think twice whether asking will make them look silly. Children are also usually very positive and easily excited, unlike us adults who often time tend to be more negative and pessimistic.

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Unlike the adults in those time who placed little importance in children, the Lord values them highly and equates welcoming them as welcoming the Lord Himself. How blessed indeed are those who are involved in ministry to children!

Application:-

Let us remember to value little children just as the Lord does. They are truly precious, the most important people in the world.

Also, remember the lessons that we can learn from little children. We must remind ourselves to be humble like them, coming to our Father in Heaven like a little child, trusting that He knows best. Instead of being depressed and pessimistic, learn to look at the world like a little child, full of hope for the future. Let us trust in God that though the storms may seem scary and the night dark, He will make all things okay. Instead of judging and being suspicious of others, let us learn to approach others like little children would, friendly and thinking the best of them. While we may be used to shouldering everything on our own and bearing heavy burdens with our own strength, remember that we have a Heavenly loving Father who loves us and we are His child. Ask Him for help! Ask Him for wisdom! Father knows best!

Prayer:-

We thank You, Lord, for showing us that children lead the way, and that it is the humility, the simplicity, the honesty and trust in children that we would all do well to remember and follow. How simple, how honest, how innocent they are. Help us learn to be like them O Lord, for that is what pleases You! Lead us too to help children in need, be it in our neighborhood, or even in countries far away. Help us learn to love children like You love them, Lord. May Your name be praised. In Jesus name, Amen.