A reading from the gospel according to Matthew 18:1-5, 10
1 The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst,
3 and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
Reflection: Humility
Good News: Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Who is the greatest?
The disciples did the right thing in bringing to Jesus their question. When we have questions, we should first take it to the One who is knows it all. Yet in other parts of the gospels, it was mentioned that they argued who among themselves was the greatest. In other words, the disciples had the right question but they have the wrong motivation. They were competing with one another, jockeying for position in the kingdom. Each of them perhaps thought he has the qualification to be chosen as number 1 or in first place. This is human nature at work.
If humans were to answer the question, they would easily enumerate achievement, prestige, degrees, and possessions as the main criteria for greatness. And these are what many people dream of acquiring. Just like the disciples, people want to be number one in their chosen career. However, none of these human standards matter to Jesus.
Instead, to answer the question, Jesus brought forth a child and mentions humility as the main criterion for greatness in the Kingdom of God. To be humble like a child, we need to be converted, to have a new paradigm. We need to turn away from our propensity to compete with one another and focus on improving ourselves so that we change from our wicked ways and be transformed into the likeness of the Father which was our original nature.
To be humble like a child, we must regain our dependence on Divine Provision and Divine Protection. Man has tried and is always trying to be independent and self-sufficient. However, Jesus is teaching us to be like a child, aware of our own powerlessness and vulnerability. Like a child who is curious, Jesus is telling us to have the eagerness to learn from our Father in heaven. “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of hearts”, Jesus says in Matthew 11:29.
So we must learn from Jesus that humility is a sine qua non to greatness in His kingdom. It is therefore imperative that we purge our urge to be number one. In the end, those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).
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In our pursuit of greatness, recognition, and success, it’s easy to forget that God’s kingdom operates on a different set of values. Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel reading above remind us that greatness in His kingdom isn’t measured by power, wealth, or social status but by humility, simplicity, and purity of heart. He calls us to embrace the heart of a child as the pathway to true greatness.
The Purity of a Child’s Heart
Children possess an innocence and openness that’s rare to find in adults. They have an untainted ability to trust, believe, and forgive, without the barriers of pride, doubt, or resentment. When Jesus calls us to be “like little children,” He invites us to let go of our pretenses, to trust Him without reservation, and to approach Him with genuine love. The faith of a child doesn’t rely on complicated explanations or logic; it’s a simple belief that God is who He says He is. This kind of trust is what God desires from us.
The Power of Humility
Humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. A child doesn’t boast of accomplishments or seek the limelight; instead, they know they are dependent on others for guidance, love, and protection. In the same way, Jesus encourages us to acknowledge our need for God, to realize that we can’t achieve greatness by our own strength or wisdom. True humility opens the door for God to work in and through us, allowing His greatness to shine.
Welcoming and Caring for “the Little Ones”
Jesus’ message also challenges how we view and treat others. He said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Every person, regardless of age, status, or background, holds immense value in God’s eyes. When we show kindness, compassion, and love to others, especially those whom society often overlooks, we honor God. We’re called to protect, nurture, and uplift the vulnerable and powerless, just as we would care for a child.
Guarding Against Contempt
Finally, Jesus warns us not to despise “these little ones.” He emphasizes that each person, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, has angels who constantly see the face of God. This reinforces the profound truth that everyone matters to God. By viewing others with the same worth and dignity that God sees in them, we align our hearts with His love.
Indeed, greatness in God’s kingdom is not about climbing to the top but about descending into the posture of a child — trusting, humble, and willing to serve. As we walk this journey of faith, let’s shed the layers of pride and complexity that life has built around us. Let’s return to the simplicity of a child’s heart, embracing God’s love and sharing that love with those around us. When we do this, we not only find our place in God’s kingdom, but we also reflect His greatness to a world in need of His light.
