Matthew 18:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

How can we enter the kingdom of God, ‘as a child’ (Matt. 18:4)? The answer is this: if we maintain a mindset similar to that of a child in relation to the Lord's teachings, we will learn without defiance, refraining from justifying ourselves before our instructors, and instead, we will trustfully and obediently embrace the teachings we receive.

Just as this child – whom I am presenting to you as an illustration – does not hold onto anger, does not dwell on an insult, does not delight in seeing a beautiful woman, and speaks consistently with his thoughts; similarly, if you lack such innocence and purity of heart, you will not be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This can also be understood in another way: whoever becomes humble like this child will be even greater in the kingdom of heaven. Those who follow My example and humble themselves as I did, renouncing their own desires just as I surrendered Mine, embodying the nature of a servant, shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Those who choose to humble themselves freely will do so significantly, much like a child who does not humble themselves through their own volition. It is essential to replicate the humility of a child, who, as is often noted, possesses many virtues but does not take pride in any of them.

The Lord instructs us that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must return to a childlike state, meaning we need to transform the flaws of our soul and body into a simplicity similar to that of children. He referred to all who believe and come to faith as children. Children emulate their father, cherish their mother, harbor no malice toward their neighbor, are indifferent to material possessions, shun arrogance, avoid hatred, speak truthfully, trust what they hear, and accept it as reality. When these qualities become ingrained in us and align with our desires in all circumstances, the path to Heaven will be accessible. Therefore, we should strive to reclaim the simplicity of children, for within it lies the beauty of the Lord's humility.

The profound humility exhibited by Jesus Christ led Him to refrain from citing His own life as a model for humility in His teachings. With gentle affection encompassing the child, the Lord expressed: “AND SO WHOEVER WILL HUMILIATE HIMSELF, AS THIS CHILD, to regard himself as lesser and inferior to others, THERE IS MORE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.” The purity and innocence inherent in the child is something you attain through an act of self-denial, overcoming your desires and wicked inclinations.

Therefore, anyone who dismisses their pretended significance and humbles themselves like this child will hold greater value in the Kingdom of Heaven and will truly be My follower.

Christ then took the child and set him beside them, encouraging them to adopt a spirit akin to that of children—innocent, humble, and unpretentious—emphasizing that only in this way could they enter the kingdom of heaven. Through this illustrative act, He reiterated the teaching He had previously shared during the Sermon on the Mount, a lesson they had now entirely overlooked.

"Who shall be diminished" refers to the act of humbling oneself. True humility involves an awareness of one’s own inadequacy, leading the humble individual to view themselves as lower than others. This quality is the foundation and protector of all virtues. Those who embody such humility are elevated in the kingdom of Christ. In contrast, pride stands in opposition to this virtue and is the root of all moral shortcomings.

The Lord emphasized the importance of not reverting to childish ways but embracing the innocence of a child, stating that "whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." Those who embody humility, kindness, and the pure simplicity of an untainted spirit truly follow Christ's teachings. Jesus affirmed that anyone who welcomes such children in His name welcomes Him, and in welcoming Him, they also welcome the One who sent Him.