Source sequence 51 of 85

Humble Yourself Like a Child

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 18:1–6

1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 2 Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the middle of them 3 and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea.

Primary passage · World English Bible

Mark

Mark 9:33–37

33 He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for they had disputed with one another on the way about who was the greatest. 35 He sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any man wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.” 36 He took a little child and set him in the middle of them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, doesn’t receive me, but him who sent me.”

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 9:46–48

46 An argument arose among them about which of them was the greatest. 47 Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set him by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great.”

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 18:17

17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Turn from status-seeking, humble yourself like a child, and receive God's kingdom with dependent trust.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

While the disciples argue about greatness, Jesus places a child among them and redefines greatness through humility, welcome, and lowly service.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms a family where dependent people are welcomed and greatness is measured by humility rather than rank.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Choose one low-status act of service and give full attention to a child or overlooked person without using the encounter to elevate yourself.

Discuss

Talk about it.

Which childlike qualities does Jesus commend, and how are they different from childishness or vulnerability to manipulation?

Pray

Pray this.

Jesus, turn us from status and make us humble, receptive, and welcoming toward the people others overlook.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Keep the command in the disciples' argument about greatness; childlikeness means humble dependence and receptive trust, not lack of wisdom.

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