Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Mark 10:15, Luke 18:17

MEANING

This statement is a response to his disciples who were trying to prevent children from coming to him.

Jesus rebukes them and says that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, and that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.

The profoundness of this assertion lies in the characteristics of children that Jesus is referring to.

Children are often seen as innocent, trusting, and dependent.

They have a simple faith and are not burdened by the doubts and cynicism that can come with age and experience. They are also humble and teachable, willing to learn and receive guidance from older and wiser people.

Jesus says that to enter the kingdom of God, we must approach it with the same childlike qualities of innocence, trust, humility, and teachability.

We must come to God with a simple faith, not relying on our knowledge or understanding but trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance. We must be humble, recognizing that we are not self-sufficient but dependent on God. And we must be teachable, willing to learn from God, and those who are wiser and more experienced in the ways of God.

This is the kind of faith that opens the door to the kingdom of God and allows us to enter into a relationship with God that is marked by love, joy, and peace.

JESUS SAYS THAT WE WILL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN UNLESS WE BECOME LIKE A CHILD.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12