The Greatness of Becoming Small
06/02/2025
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. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
- Matthew 18:3–5 (NIV)
When Jesus pulled a child into the center of the conversation, it must have stunned the disciples. They had been debating status, who was the greatest among them, and Jesus responded by exalting someone with no power, no position, and no prestige. A child.
Imagine the scene. Dusty roads, weary men, and in their midst, a small child, probably unaware of the tension in the air. Jesus wraps his arms around this child and says, “You want to be great? Then become like this.”
In our world, greatness is tied to influence, wealth, power, or achievements. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, greatness is found in childlike humility, openness, dependence, teachability, and trust.
Jesus didn’t say to act childish, but to become childlike. There’s a big difference.
A child knows they are dependent on others for care. A child doesn’t try to earn their place at the table, they just believe they belong. A child can’t impress you with their résumé, but they can melt your heart with their faith.
When my granddaughter runs into the room and jumps into my arms without hesitation, she’s not performing, she’s simply trusting. That’s what Jesus is inviting us into.
And then He makes it even more profound: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes Me.” Jesus identifies so closely with the lowly that how we treat the least is how we treat the Lord.
This isn’t just a message about children, it’s a call to live low and love well.
Here are some things you can do to help you in your journey.
Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas where pride has taken root.
Identify a person or group in your life who might be considered “lowly” or overlooked. Serve or honor them this week.
Reflect on the last time you approached God with the faith of a child. Do it again today.
My challenge for you is this:
Make space in your heart today for childlike wonder and humility. Choose to be less concerned with climbing ladders and more focused on kneeling low. Be great, not by going higher, but by going lower.
Father, thank You for calling me to something better than worldly success. Help me to lay down pride, ego, and status. Teach me to become like a child, humble, trusting, and full of wonder. Let me live in a way that welcomes others as I would welcome You. Shape my heart to reflect Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
- Matthew 18:3–5 (NIV)
When Jesus pulled a child into the center of the conversation, it must have stunned the disciples. They had been debating status, who was the greatest among them, and Jesus responded by exalting someone with no power, no position, and no prestige. A child.
Imagine the scene. Dusty roads, weary men, and in their midst, a small child, probably unaware of the tension in the air. Jesus wraps his arms around this child and says, “You want to be great? Then become like this.”
In our world, greatness is tied to influence, wealth, power, or achievements. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, greatness is found in childlike humility, openness, dependence, teachability, and trust.
Jesus didn’t say to act childish, but to become childlike. There’s a big difference.
A child knows they are dependent on others for care. A child doesn’t try to earn their place at the table, they just believe they belong. A child can’t impress you with their résumé, but they can melt your heart with their faith.
When my granddaughter runs into the room and jumps into my arms without hesitation, she’s not performing, she’s simply trusting. That’s what Jesus is inviting us into.
And then He makes it even more profound: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes Me.” Jesus identifies so closely with the lowly that how we treat the least is how we treat the Lord.
This isn’t just a message about children, it’s a call to live low and love well.
Here are some things you can do to help you in your journey.
Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas where pride has taken root.
Identify a person or group in your life who might be considered “lowly” or overlooked. Serve or honor them this week.
Reflect on the last time you approached God with the faith of a child. Do it again today.
My challenge for you is this:
Make space in your heart today for childlike wonder and humility. Choose to be less concerned with climbing ladders and more focused on kneeling low. Be great, not by going higher, but by going lower.
Father, thank You for calling me to something better than worldly success. Help me to lay down pride, ego, and status. Teach me to become like a child, humble, trusting, and full of wonder. Let me live in a way that welcomes others as I would welcome You. Shape my heart to reflect Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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