The Lord Jesus Christ had a special affection for children and many turn to these passages of the Bible to speak of such (and they are very true,) but that is not the main emphasis of these passages. The point of scripture is what is in our baptism forms. Children are born in sin and need loving Christian discipline. Christ summons the child in relationship to that child and in reprimand of the adults and summons the misconception to the Kingdom and the entrance into that Kingdom. We need the humility of a child and it is by grace alone!

The question: The disciples has question in regard to their rank in the Kingdom of Heaven. It was one they were ashamed of as Christ did not seem to have a stomach for such a question. Christ discerns what is in their heart and soul. It did not dawn of them that the entrance was one of humility only being concerned with themselves. While they discuss their self qualities and status Jesus sets a child in front of them! Can you imagine? What an answer without directly addressing their questions! We might have the same arrogance as the disciples. The correct translation here is "who would be the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Are we not good at doing the same thing as we compare ourselves to others?

The answer: Christ says here is a little child....take a look at his characteristics and let's focus on getting INTO the Kingdom! They did not understand justification, sanctification, and thankfulness! The disciples wanted a specific answer from Christ and Jesus ignores the question completely by rebuff that the disciples must have inherently have felt! When it came to the "greater" in the Kingdom it has to do with GRACE as God makes us the particular vessels we are to be and fills us to our capacity for His praise and His glory! The child stands before them in all his honesty...unable to brag, hiding behind his mother's (Christly) skirt! Christ expressed that their pride should be lowliness. The lowest place at the feast, the doorkeeper in His house, the prodigal son! That is the point! Humility! Meekness and a humble spirit! Unless it is so there is NO ENTRANCE into the Kingdom! (Re-read this paragraph!)

Identity: This is the character of a child of God. It was the apostle Paul's, the prodigal sons, and many others that you read about in Scripture. Except you are converted (with the child before us) from our pride and our arrogance you will not enter into the Kingdom. "He who does such shall be the greatest in the Kingdom!" He speaks of Himself (Christ) who HUMBLED Himself and would be the GREATEST in the Kingdom!!!

Why? So that we (who by nature have zero right) might be adopted children, sons and daughters of God by Christ for His glory! Why would we argue about our status as we each have a part in that Kingdom?!