1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 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. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:1-6 KJV)
Who Is the Greatest?
There was never a greater example or preacher of humility than Christ, who took every opportunity to teach and encourage it among his disciples.
This teaching on humility arose from an inappropriate dispute among the disciples over who would be the greatest. Though ashamed to ask Jesus directly (Mark 9:34), they were preoccupied with rank, asking, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” They were not asking who was most virtuous, but who would hold the highest position. Despite all they had heard about the kingdom of heaven, they still imagined it as a worldly empire, full of power and glory.
Christ had just spoken of his coming suffering and resurrection. From this, they assumed his kingdom would soon be established, and they were eager to claim their places in it. Similar disputes followed other teachings (see Matthew 20:19-20; Luke 22:22, 24). Although Jesus often spoke of suffering, they focused only on glory. Rather than asking how to endure hardship with him, they asked who would reign highest. Many are quick to desire honor and rewards but slow to embrace trials and burdens. They look for the crown while ignoring the cross.
They assumed that all in the kingdom would be great—after all, it is a kingdom of priests. In truth, those who are genuinely good are truly great, though they may be overlooked in this world. They also believed there were degrees of greatness. Just as not all stars shine with equal brightness, not all saints receive equal honor. They further assumed that one of them must be chief. Who, if not those who had left all for Christ, would he exalt?
Each had a reason to think he deserved the highest place: Peter had been given the keys (Matthew 16:19); Judas managed the money and may have aspired to power; Jesus’ relatives might have expected special roles; John was the beloved disciple; Andrew was the first called. But these were selfish imaginations.
Christ’s answer was a direct rebuke. If he had intended to make Peter or any other disciple head of the church, he would have made it clear here—but instead, he condemns such ambition. He does not assign supremacy in his church, and anyone who claims it acts without his authority. Rather than raising one above the others, he warns them all not to pursue greatness.
To teach them, Jesus called a little child and placed him in their midst. He often used visual lessons, as the prophets did. Humility is hard to learn, so Christ used every method. We must learn from children and be reminded of their simplicity and lowliness. Adults should not ignore or look down on children; even Christ, as a child, sat among teachers (Luke 2:46).
Using this child as an example, Jesus taught the necessity of humility (Matthew 18:3): “Truly I tell you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” They needed a change of heart and attitude. Pride and ambition had to be replaced with childlike humility.
Conversion isn’t only a one-time event. Beyond the initial turning from sin, believers must continually turn from specific sins, such as pride. When Peter repented after denying Christ, he experienced such a turning.
To be like children means not being childish or immature, but being innocent, trusting, gentle, teachable, and humble. Children don’t seek position or prestige. They are content and free from envy. We must quiet our souls as children do (Psalm 131:1-2), and see ourselves as small and dependent. Humility gives rise to many other virtues and is the foundation for Christian growth.
Jesus also emphasized the seriousness of this requirement. Without such humility, no one will enter the kingdom of heaven. Even his disciples needed this warning (Hebrews 4:1). They presumed they had a sure place in heaven, but Jesus challenged them to examine their hearts. Many who seek greatness in the church may be shown to have no place in it. Pride has no part in God’s kingdom. It was pride that cast the devil from heaven, and it will keep us out as well—unless we are changed and become like the humble child Jesus, who is still called “your holy servant” even after his resurrection (Acts 4:27).
Jesus then gave a clear answer to their question about greatness (Matthew 18:4): “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” True greatness is measured by humility. The humblest Christians are the most Christlike and best prepared to receive God’s grace. Though they don’t seek recognition, they are the ones God honors.
Jesus also assured them of his care for the humble. He protects them and will not let their lowliness be despised. Some may fear they will be overlooked. But Jesus said (Matthew 18:5), “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” Welcoming a humble believer out of love for Christ is as if welcoming Christ himself. Every act of kindness shown to even the least of his followers is remembered. If Christ were present in person, we would be eager to honor him. But his humble people represent him now (see Matthew 25:35-40).
Others may fear mistreatment. The proud often take pleasure in oppressing the humble. Jesus warned against this (Matthew 18:6). Anyone who causes a humble believer to stumble is in grave danger. It would be better for that person to be drowned in the sea. Such a crime—harming Christ’s little ones—is so serious that death is a lighter punishment than the judgment to come.
Hell is worse than the sea. The sea destroys only the body, but hell torments the soul forever. Jonah found peace even in the sea (Jonah 2:2, Jonah 2:4, Jonah 2:9), but there is no peace in hell. God’s judgment is final, like a gulf that cannot be crossed (Luke 16:26). Hurting Christ’s humble followers, even by neglect, invites that dreadful sentence: “Depart from me, you who are cursed.”