“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. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:1-5

Greatness. Everyone wants to be great right? Everyone wants to be significant, have purpose, make a difference. According to these verses, the formula is as follows: 1) change 2) become like a child 3) humble yourself 4) welcome children. Simples right?!

Children in Jesus’ day didn’t have a great deal. They were typically regarded more like property than individuals. They held the lowest position. Do you want to be great? We need to become like children as Jesus’ audience heard that – we need to embrace humility, seek out the lowest position and perhaps, at times, we need a little more of being seen and a little less of trying to make our own voice heard.

Jesus doesn’t leave the children with this property-like status though. Yes, we need to humble ourselves, but humility doesn’t equate to no value. Jesus teaches about the need for humility while also restoring the dignity of the child. We know children aren’t property, but do we fully appreciate their value? Jesus tells us that there’s an opportunity to welcome the God of heaven if we welcome a child in his name. That’s pretty significant.

Wanna be great? When was the last time you hung out with some kids? They have so much to teach us, and we have so much to learn.