In a world that prizes achievement, independence, and maturity, Jesus makes a startling demand:
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
—Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
To many adults, this may sound counterintuitive. We spend our lives growing up, learning responsibility, gaining wisdom—only to be told to become like children again?
Yet Jesus makes this statement more than once, and He means it. So what does it truly mean to be “like little children”? What qualities is Jesus calling us to embody? And how do we live this out in real, practical ways?
Let’s explore the Scripture, the theology, and the daily application behind Jesus’ call to childlike faith.
1. What Did Jesus Say About Becoming Like Children?
There are several key passages in which Jesus speaks directly about children and elevates their role in the kingdom of God:
Matthew 18:1–4
“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 takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”
Here, Jesus links greatness in the kingdom not to power or knowledge, but to humility. To receive the kingdom, we must change—literally, be converted—and become as children in posture and heart.
Mark 10:13–16
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
This passage makes Jesus’ stance clear: Children are not a distraction from spiritual matters—they’re a picture of how we’re meant to relate to God. In fact, He warns that without childlikeness, entrance into the kingdom is impossible.
2. What Does It Theologically Mean to Be Like a Child?
Jesus is not telling us to be childish. He’s calling us to childlikeness. There is a profound theological difference.
A. Dependence
Children rely entirely on their parents for survival. They don’t worry about where food, shelter, or protection will come from—they simply trust that their father or mother will provide. This is the kind of faith Jesus commends.
In spiritual terms, being childlike means acknowledging that we are utterly dependent on God’s grace, not our own works, intellect, or status.
“Give us today our daily bread.” —Matthew 6:11
Childlike faith is trusting that God the Father will care for us, lead us, and supply what we need—without needing to control everything ourselves.
B. Humility
Children do not posture for power or platform. They are not pretentious. They are naturally small in stature and stature of heart.
Jesus links greatness with lowliness in Matthew 18. The kingdom of God doesn’t elevate the proud but exalts the humble (James 4:6). To be childlike is to walk in humility—acknowledging our need, confessing our limits, and refusing to boast in ourselves.
C. Teachability
A child is not expected to know everything. They’re in the process of learning and growing—and they’re open to correction and instruction. In contrast, adults often carry the illusion of self-sufficiency.
Jesus calls us to be teachable, not just knowledgeable. The Pharisees had knowledge—but their pride made them unteachable. Childlike believers remain eager to learn, quick to repent, and open to God’s instruction through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel.
D. Purity of Heart
While children are certainly not sinless, they tend to possess a certain sincerity and simplicity in the way they love and believe.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:8:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Childlike faith does not overcomplicate. It believes God’s Word at face value, trusts His character, and seeks Him without hidden agendas.
3. Practical Ways to Become Like a Child Before God
So how do we live this out in a grown-up world filled with pressures, responsibilities, and trials?
1. Practice Dependence Through Prayer
Children go to their parents for everything. Likewise, we are to bring all our needs, fears, questions, and desires to our Heavenly Father.
Make prayer your first response, not your last resort. Whether you need wisdom, comfort, provision, or strength—ask Him. Trust that He is a good Father who loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11).
Let your prayers be simple. Don’t feel pressure to impress God with fancy words. Come to Him like a child—honest, trusting, and eager to be near Him.
2. Walk in Daily Humility
True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less.
To cultivate childlike humility:
- Confess your dependence on God daily.
- Admit when you’re wrong—quickly and sincerely.
- Choose servanthood over self-promotion.
- Rejoice in others’ success instead of comparing yourself.
- Remember that you bring nothing to God but your need—and that is enough.
Humility is the soil where God’s grace grows. (James 4:6)
3. Keep a Soft, Teachable Spirit
Never outgrow the posture of a student. Be willing to unlearn old habits, relearn truth, and listen to correction without defensiveness.
Ask God to examine your heart through His Word (Psalm 139:23–24). Read the Scriptures not just for information, but for transformation. When the Lord convicts you—respond. When He teaches you—apply it. Be moldable clay in the hands of the Potter.
4. Worship with Wonder
Children are easily amazed. They can find wonder in the ordinary. Adults, however, grow jaded. We’ve seen too much, lost our sense of awe, and often fail to worship with delight.
To be childlike means to marvel again. To wonder at grace. To behold creation. To sing with passion. To rejoice in salvation.
Ask God to restore to you the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12). Read Scripture with fresh eyes. Sing like you believe it. Look up at the stars and remember the One who made them also knows your name.
5. Cultivate a Clean Heart
Childlike faith seeks purity—not perfection, but sincerity.
Don’t grow callous to sin or comfortable with compromise. Keep short accounts with God. Confess quickly. Forgive freely. Repent wholeheartedly.
When you sin—and you will—run to the Father, not from Him. His arms are always open to His children (Luke 15:20).
4. Why This Matters
Jesus said this wasn’t optional. Unless we become like children, we cannot enter the kingdom.
That means childlikeness is not for the spiritually immature—it’s the posture of true maturity. It is not weakness—it is the deepest strength, because it roots us in relationship, not religion.
This is the posture that leads to salvation, because it acknowledges that we can’t save ourselves.
This is the posture that leads to growth, because it keeps us soft, teachable, and responsive to the Spirit.
This is the posture that pleases God, because it reflects the heart of His Son.
Jesus was the most childlike man who ever lived. Fully mature, yes—but always trusting, always humble, always dependent, and always pure in heart.
Final Word: Don’t Outgrow the Kingdom
In a world that applauds self-sufficiency, Jesus invites us to dependence. In a culture that exalts pride, Jesus calls us to humility. In a life that prizes achievement, Jesus points us to childlike wonder and trust.
This is good news. You don’t need to impress God—you just need to come to Him.
Like a child.
Open hands.
Open heart.
Eyes lifted to the Father.
Ready to receive the kingdom.
So come. Like a child. It’s the only way in.
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