Jesus is the one who set the pace for extending love and care for little children. I’m sure you remember the account in the gospels where the disciples were trying to prevent the little children from coming to Jesus, and Jesus became indignant with his disciples and said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:13-14).

The essential elements of the Kingdom of God are seen in the hearts of children who highlight the qualities of humility, trust, and openness. And unless you and I exhibit those same qualities that little children possess, we will not enter the Kingdom.

Jesus also focused upon the attitudes of adults who are listening to Jesus teach about the Kingdom of God when He said:

“Truly, truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:2).

Jesus calls for heart transformation in every adult who desires to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Holy Spirit needs to do His part of convicting us of pride and self-sufficiency and asking Him to give us a humble heart to receive the kingdom as a little child. But that’s not all, as Jesus went on to say, 

Therefore, whoever takes the humble position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes such child in My name welcomes Me” (Matt 18:3-6).

Did you catch that? Whoever welcomes a child in Jesus’ name also welcomes Jesus! For all of you adults reading this, let’s remember that when we “welcome” little children with open arms and do it in Jesus’ name, without being fully conscious of it, we are actually welcoming Jesus! I pray that none of us would underestimate the power of little children to influence of our lives, helping us to become more like Jesus.

May the Lord richly bless you this week as we seek to become more life Jesus in all that we say and do.