Kingdom Minds Like Children

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles themselves like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1-4)

This verse has always struck me. There's something profound about Jesus' statement that we must adopt a childlike posture to experience the fullness of God's reign. It's not about being childish or immature, but about embracing a certain kind of humility and wonder.

A Lens of Scripture

When Jesus says we must become like little children, he's not talking about their limitations or weaknesses. He's talking about their openness, their trust, and their ability to receive things without pretension. Children don't come to the table with a lot of preconceived notions or agendas. They're not trying to prove themselves or impress anyone. They're simply present, and they receive what's offered to them with gratitude. I think that's what Jesus is getting at when he says we must cultivate innocence and curiosity. It's a call to simplicity, to humility, and to trust.

But what does this look like in practice? How do we embody this kind of vulnerability and openness in our daily lives? It's not about regression or pretending to be something we're not. It's about being willing to learn, to grow, and to receive guidance and direction from others. It's about letting go of our need to control and our desire to be in charge. I'll be honest, I've struggled with this too. I've found myself trying to muscle my way through challenges, trying to figure everything out on my own, and trying to be the expert in every situation. But that's not what Jesus is calling us to. He's calling us to a different way of being, one that's characterized by humility, trust, and openness to God's guidance.

From a Historical Perspective

If we look at the history of the church, we can see that this call to humility and simplicity has been a recurring theme. From the early church fathers to modern-day theologians, there's been a recognition that these qualities are essential for followers of Jesus. But it's not just about individual character traits; it's also about the way we structure our communities and our institutions. Are we creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive, or are we building barriers and hierarchies? Are we prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable, or are we catering to the powerful and the privileged? These are important questions, and they require us to think critically about our values and our practices.

I've been reading a lot about the early Anabaptist movement, and I'm struck by their emphasis on simplicity, humility, and community. They rejected the trappings of power and wealth, and instead chose to live in radical obedience to the teachings of Jesus. They shared their resources, they cared for one another, and they worked together to build a different kind of society. It's a challenging and inspiring example, and it's one that I believe we can learn from today.

In Our Contemporary Context

So what does it mean to embody the qualities of a child in our modern world? How do we apply this teaching in our daily lives, in our relationships, and in our communities? To me, it's about embracing curiosity and wonder. It's about being open to new experiences and perspectives. It's about recognizing that we don't have all the answers, and that we need each other. This realization can be both freeing and terrifying. But I believe it's essential for building a different kind of world, one that's characterized by love, justice, and compassion.

And yet, I'm aware that this is a challenging and complex issue. There are no easy answers, and there are many different perspectives and opinions. But I'm reminded that sometimes the most profound growth happens in the midst of uncertainty. Sometimes it's okay to not have all the answers, and to be willing to wrestle with the questions. In those moments, we may discover a deeper understanding of our purpose and meaning.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, holds the highest position of honor?" He called a young one to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and cultivate dependence on God, you will never experience the fullness of God's presence. Therefore, whoever humbles themselves in this way will be exalted." (Matthew 18:1-4) — this verse still strikes me, still challenges me, still calls me to become something more. Something like a child, full of wonder and curiosity.