Why Kids Are the Greatest!

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 18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
The disciples were still not getting the point about what true greatness was all about.  They were still thinking about greatness from an earthly perspective.  Ironically this is why they were so misled about Jesus' identity and purpose.  For this occasion Jesus uses the example of a little child to make his point.  Using children helped Jesus make several good points about his definition of greatness.
Children do not try to be humble, but they are so; and the same is the case with really gracious persons. The imitation of humility is sickening; the reality is attractive.” (Spurgeon)

Children by nature trust until they are given a reason to distrust. Children in Jesus' culture were regarded more like the property. They were as we say, "to be seen and not heard".  The main point Jesus is making the point to the disciples that in God's economy servanthood is the definition of true greatness.  As we get older we get jaded or maybe we have been burned by someone we trusted.  

 Jesus feels so strongly about this topic that he says unless you become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. To admit we are sinner and need a Savior is not an easy thing for a proud person to do.  But as we humble ourselves and trust in Jesus as the Son of God, we enter the kingdom of God.  We begin a relationship with Christ that begins with our humble acceptance of him as a child might, and one day we will be with him in great and promised glory. 

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