2 And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all].
4 Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4 AMPC
Be Converted Like Little Children
Jesus is speaking to His apostles and tells them that if they do not change their mind and become like little children, they cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Let's first take a look at how society viewed little children.
Little children were considered lesser in status and relied on their parents for their needs. They were also lowly and humble. The main reason Jesus says that we must be like little children because they believe without doubt, are merciful, forgiving, and loving. Little children are void of pride. They are quick to forgive and quick to be merciful. We need to have all of these attributes as a Christian to live a life that is pleasing to our Father in Heaven.
Jesus blessed the little children and said that they have angels who watch over them who stand in the very presence of the Father.
10 Beware that you do not despise or feel scornful toward or think little of one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always are in the presence of and look upon the face of My Father Who is in heaven.
Matthew 18:10 AMPC
Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is of little children. Then Jesus put his hands on them and blessed them.
13 Then little children were brought to Jesus, that He might put His hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 But He said, Leave the children alone! Allow the little ones to come to Me, and do not forbid or restrain or hinder them, for of such [as these] is the kingdom of heaven composed.
Matthew 19:13-14 AMPC
We all must deny ourselves and become LOWLY as little children in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. If someone does not become like a little child in their faith and actions toward God and men they cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
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