What Did Jesus Mean When He Said Unless You Become Like a Child?
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3 ESV). This statement has puzzled theologians and believers alike for centuries. What exactly did Jesus mean when he said this? Let’s explore some possible interpretations and implications of this profound teaching.
1. FAQ: Why did Jesus use the metaphor of a child?
Answer: Children possess qualities such as innocence, trust, humility, and dependence. By using this metaphor, Jesus emphasizes the importance of adopting these child-like qualities in our faith journey.
2. FAQ: Does becoming like a child mean we should remain naive or ignorant?
Answer: No, Jesus is not advocating for ignorance or naivety. Rather, he encourages a child-like posture of openness, curiosity, and willingness to learn. We should approach God with humility and a desire to grow in knowledge and understanding.
3. FAQ: Does becoming like a child mean we should abandon critical thinking?
Answer: No, being child-like does not mean abandoning critical thinking. In fact, Jesus encourages us to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16 ESV). We should engage our minds and seek understanding while maintaining a child-like trust in God.
4. FAQ: How does becoming like a child relate to entering the kingdom of heaven?
Answer: Becoming like a child is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven because it reflects a heart posture of surrender, trust, and dependence on God. It reminds us that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned through our own efforts.
5. FAQ: Are adults supposed to regress in maturity to become like children?
Answer: No, Jesus is not advocating for regression in maturity. Instead, he calls us to embrace certain qualities of children while maintaining the wisdom and discernment that come with maturity. It is about cultivating child-like characteristics in our relationship with God.
6. FAQ: How can we become like children in our faith?
Answer: Firstly, we must approach God with an attitude of humility, recognizing our need for Him. Secondly, we should cultivate a child-like trust, believing in God’s goodness and faithfulness. Lastly, we should be open to learning, growing, and being transformed God’s Word and Spirit.
7. FAQ: Can becoming like a child help us in other areas of our lives?
Answer: Yes, adopting child-like qualities can positively impact various aspects of our lives. It can enhance our relationships, promote a sense of wonder and curiosity, and help us approach challenges with a humble and teachable spirit.
So, what did Jesus mean when he said, “Unless you become like a child”? Ultimately, Jesus was highlighting the importance of child-like qualities such as innocence, trust, humility, and dependence in our relationship with God. By adopting these qualities, we acknowledge our need for God’s grace and recognize that salvation is a gift received through faith.
Jesus calls us to approach Him with humility, openness, and a willingness to learn. He invites us to trust in His goodness and faithfulness, just as a child trusts their parents. This child-like faith does not mean abandoning critical thinking or regressing in maturity. Instead, it means maintaining wisdom and discernment while embracing qualities that reflect a child-like trust in God.
In our faith journey, let us strive to become like children. Let us approach God with humility, trust, and a desire to grow in knowledge and understanding. Let us foster a sense of wonder and curiosity, always open to learning from God’s Word and Spirit. As we cultivate these child-like qualities, we can experience the transformative power of God’s love and enter into the abundant life He offers.
In conclusion, Jesus’ statement about becoming like a child is a call to embrace qualities such as innocence, trust, humility, and dependence in our relationship with God. It is an invitation to approach Him with humility, openness, and a willingness to learn. By adopting these child-like qualities, we can deepen our faith, experience God’s love more fully, and enter into the kingdom of heaven.