Pride of position dogged the disciples just like it so often does with Christians today. Titles, rank and privileges infiltrate the church, when those God raises up to shepherd the local church transform the description of a spiritual gift into a title, like “Pastor” or “Senior Pastor,” thus propagating a superior rank or clergy among God’s people. A far more appropriate (and higher) title of “brother,” is more suitable, which we all are privileged to own.

After having personally walked with the Master for so long, the disciples somewhat surprisingly entertain suspicious thoughts. How tenaciously the sinful nature of fallen humanity grips the soul. This was no time for a softball response from Jesus. He meets their feigned-innocent curiosity with poignancy. If a person desires greatness, Jesus says, the path way unavoidably traverses the realm of humbleness. This is the great paradox of discipleship, similar to the challenge Jesus laid on them earlier, “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25). Hard concepts require reinforcement!

First, entry into the kingdom of heaven requires that one become like a child, hardly a good starting point for ambitious, position seekers. The visual of standing an actual child before them was evocative. Beginning his teaching with “Truly I say to you,” by-now well a familiar introduction, gave a sense of weightiness to his teaching. He goes on to say, that child-like humbleness is not just for entry into the kingdom, but also for greatness in the kingdom.

On one level Jesus was speaking about valuing actual children. However, in context He seems also to be thinking about how we treat those who do become like children in their humble attitude. Whoever receives one of them, also receives Christ. Therefore, disciples should not only avoid personal pride of position, but they ought not to look down on those who emulate an humble childlike attitude. The consequences of rejecting this truth are great!