Becoming Like Children
Jesus said something surprising about who belongs in the Kingdom of God.
One day, people were bringing little children to Jesus so He could bless them. The disciples tried to turn the children away, thinking they were too small or unimportant to bother the Teacher. But Jesus was displeased. He called the children to Him and said something that turns many of our ideas about maturity on its head.
He said:
“Let the 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.” Mark 10:14–15, ESV
In another moment, He taught:
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3–4, ESV
What did Jesus mean?
Children are not perfect. They can be loud, messy, and full of energy. But they also have beautiful qualities that many adults lose over time: humility, trust, teachability, sincerity, and a soft heart.
A small child does not pretend to have everything figured out. When a child is tired, hurt, or afraid, they run to their parent without hesitation. They ask questions openly. They believe what they are told by someone they trust. They forgive quickly. They marvel at simple things—flowers, butterflies, the stars at night. They are not weighed down by pride, reputation, or the need to appear strong and self-sufficient.
Jesus was telling us that the Kingdom of God belongs to people who approach Him with this kind of heart.
The world teaches us to become independent, guarded, sophisticated, and self-reliant. We learn to hide our weaknesses, protect our image, and act like we have all the answers. Over time, our hearts can grow harder, more cynical, and more distant from the simple trust God desires.
But Jesus calls us back to childlike qualities—not childish immaturity, but humble dependence on the Father.
Becoming like a child means:
Admitting when we do not understand and asking God for wisdom.
Trusting the Father even when we cannot see the whole path ahead.
Approaching Him honestly with our needs, fears, and joys instead of pretending we are fine.
Keeping a soft heart that is quick to forgive and slow to judge.
Remaining teachable, willing to learn and grow instead of thinking we already know everything.
Christian maturity is not about becoming proud or self-important. It is about growing more humble, more dependent on God, and more sincere in our faith. The strongest believers are often the most childlike in their trust.
Jesus lived this way perfectly. Though He was the Son of God, He remained humble, dependent on the Father, and full of compassion. He showed us that true greatness in the Kingdom comes not through power or status, but through a heart that stays soft toward God and others.
Little by little, as we walk with Jesus, our hearts can soften again. We begin to release the heavy armor of self-protection. We learn to come to the Father simply, honestly, and often—just as a child runs to a loving parent.
This does not mean life becomes easy or that we stop using wisdom and responsibility. It means we carry out our daily responsibilities while keeping a heart that knows it needs God every single day.
Humility, trust, and teachability are not signs of weakness. They are qualities Jesus treasured. As we cultivate them within ourselves, we continue walking in the footsteps of Jesus with the simple faith of a child.
And perhaps this is one of the most freeing truths Jesus ever taught: the Kingdom is not reserved for the strong, the impressive, or the religious elite. It belongs to those who come to the Father with humble, trusting, childlike hearts.
In a world that pushes us to grow harder and more self-sufficient, Jesus invites us to become like children again—so we can truly belong to the Kingdom of God.
