“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ... "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]
Children are the most vulnerable of all humans - they are the most innocent.
Their faith is simple - they have a genuine trust of others.
These are humble - their faith in God is something to be emulated.
A hallmark of a great culture is the way that it treats children.
How we treat children says much about us and the society we live in.
And the Lord tells us that there are severe consequences of causing harm to children.
In contrast, adult human beings, like the disciples, are all about "who is the greatest".
The demeanor of pride filled adults is in stark contrast to the humility of children.
Perhaps pride is the sin that Jesus warns his disciples about?
I wonder if our exodus from childlikeness is all about the road from humility to pride?
And maybe the aging process is a journey from the heart to the head?
In the end, Jesus tells us that the road to greatness is maintaining a childlike humility.
I repent of pride Lord. Help me to be like a child.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
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