Entering the Kingdom
As Little Children
Humble Like a Child
Description
Jesus said that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom belongs to such as these. The greatest in the kingdom is whoever humbles himself like a child. Children model the dependent, trusting, humble posture required for kingdom entrance. The proud and self-sufficient are excluded; the poor in spirit inherit. Those who think they are something cannot receive the kingdom as a gift. It must be received with childlike faith and humility.
Key Verses
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.