Matthew 18:3 NIV
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
This statement carries weight because it redefines greatness. When the disciples argue about position, Jesus redirects their focus to humility, dependence, and trust. He does not praise ambition or achievement. He calls His followers to change and embrace a childlike posture.
A child does not pretend to know everything. A child lives with openness and receives direction without resistance. In the same way, believers acknowledge their need for God’s wisdom and guidance. A child does not magnify the flesh or boast in self-sufficiency. A child depends fully on a parent for direction, protection, and provision. Believers display true faith when they depend totally on God rather than on their own strength. A child trusts with simplicity. That trust reflects the posture Jesus calls His followers to adopt when they enter the kingdom of heaven.
The Bible provides clear examples of this childlike spirit. Samuel hears the voice of God as a young boy and answers without hesitation, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” He shows trust and submission. David stands before Goliath and does not rely on armour or personal skill but on the power of God. His victory reveals the strength of dependence. Mary, when she receives the message that she will carry the Messiah, does not argue or resist but accepts God’s plan with humility and faith. Each example reflects the spirit of a child: open, trusting, and dependent on God.
Furthermore, in Mark 10:15, Jesus again insists that anyone who does not receive the kingdom like a little child will never enter it. James 4:10 calls believers to humble themselves before the Lord so that He may lift them up. Psalm 131:2 paints a vivid picture of childlike trust when the psalmist says, “I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother.” Scripture consistently affirms that God values humility and dependence more than human pride or accomplishment.
This teaching matters deeply today. Culture rewards self-promotion and independence, yet Jesus commands the opposite. He calls believers to reject self-reliance and embrace dependence on Him. Just as a child relies on guidance, believers walk in wisdom only when they seek direction from God. True maturity in faith does not mean outgrowing dependence on the Lord. It means learning to rest more fully in His care, to trust His leading, and to humble the heart before His will.
Matthew 18:3 reminds every believer that the way into God’s kingdom comes through humility. Greatness does not rise from pride or independence. Greatness flows from the heart of a child who trusts completely, depends fully, and follows faithfully. When believers live with this childlike spirit, they reflect the very heart of the gospel and step into the kingdom of heaven as Jesus promised.
Living It Out
Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:3 remind us that greatness in His kingdom begins with humility, dependence, and trust. Take time today to examine your heart: are you striving in self-reliance, or resting in childlike dependence on God? Choose to humble yourself before Him, lay down pride, and ask for His wisdom in every step. As you do, you will find the strength, peace, and direction that only a childlike trust in your Heavenly Father can bring.