Like Little Children

In response to his disciples' question as to who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 18:3).

It was not the answer they were expecting and his further explanation was not any closer: "Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (v. 4).  He was turning their expectations upside down with his "least being the greatest" kingdom order.

It was clear that even after Jesus explained the kingdom order to them that they still did not get it as James and John came with their mother to Jesus who asked, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom" (Mt 20:21).

Although, one could say that they were getting the little child part down as they were childishly "calling shotgun" like a pre-adolescent wanting to sit by the door in the front seat of the car as it was regarded to be a more prominent position than the back seat.

Not actually, though as they were being childish instead of child-like.  Therein lies the difference of what Jesus was calling them to and where they actually stood at the moment.  One who is childish is very self-centered and demanding, while one who is child-like is very trusting, looking to and leaning upon the Father-Figure guidance and protection.

It was this trust factor that the disciples struggled with, especially as Jesus began talking about the crucifixion, which lay ahead of him in Jerusalem.  They were uncertain and unsettled.  Their desire for a place on the right side and the left came out of a desire to establish some control in contrast to just trusting in Jesus to lead them and provide for them.

Jesus call for them and for us to be like little children is a call to trust and obey rather then to have your own way or to establish boundaries of faith that are more akin to walking by sight.  The truly righteous are not the ones who are always right, they are the ones who rightly "live by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7).  You know, the way little children do.  Jus' Say'n.