SOME preliminary remarks need to be made before we commence our study of this chapter. The first is that the chapter is one whole, and must be taken as a whole. The teaching which Jesus gives here is one discourse all given on this occasion. The second follows from this and is that no interpretation of Christ's teaching can be correct if it contradicts or is not in tune with what Jesus has said before in this discourse. At first the teaching Jesus gives here seems to be straightforward, but on closer study it seems to me that Jesus is saying deep things here which are not so easily understood, and so in expounding there must be great humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit. I feel also that I need to empty my mind of previous explanations I have had or received and come to this chapter without any prejudice or meaning I have entertained in the past.

The chapter opens with an expression of the corruption which is so familiar in human nature. We all want to be great and above each other in some way. Here we see the disciples seemingly hoping they might be placed above the others in the kingdom of heaven. Pride of heart and mind is such a prevalent and pernicious failing, rather sin, which invades the human heart and mind. It is a sin which does so much harm in the world, and within the fellowship of believers. It is a great failing that we hardly notice as a sin at all, as is illustrated in this question posed by the disciples to Jesus. If we see pride in someone else it may irritate us, but few see it as a sin. In fact pride is a catalyst which drives people to the commitment of many other evils.

In the world pride is seen more as a virtue. It is seen as a energy which powers ambition and success. How different is the response which Jesus gives to this characteristic in human nature.

Jesus was such a wonderful teacher. He does not launch into an abstract explanation of the evils of pride and the virtue of humility; rather he creates a picture to illustrate what he wants to get across. Jesus calls a little child to him, and stands him by his side in front of the disciples. He then tells the disciples that they must change. They must have a change of heart from this seeking of importance.

Here is the first thing which Jesus illustrates, and it is so important. Jesus implies that the human heart is wrong and has a wrong bias. He tells us that there must be a change or a conversion. The thinking and feeling of the inner person must change from pride to humility. Jesus tells his disciples that there must be a realization of the wrongness and sinfulness of our natural thinking. It can't be contradicted that the desire to be the greatest has been the catalyst for disputes and wars all down history, and people have committed all sorts of evil to achieve the greatness they desire.

Here is the hardest thing for us fallen creatures to accept, and to repent of. We find it so hard to accept that our thinking is so corrupt and needs a total change. But what is the change which Jesus speaks of?

Jesus tells us we must become like a little child. This does not mean we must become childish. What Jesus is saying is that we must become childlike in our attitude and thinking. A child knows that it does not know everything. A child knows that it needs to be guided and helped. A child seeks the help of grown ups, and trusts them for guidance. In the same way, as adults we need to realize our limitations and our lack of wisdom. We need to accept we are not better than other people, and anything we have that is wise comes from God, and so we can't be puffed up about it. Like a child we must accept we will get things wrong if we do not listen to others, and doubt ourselves to some degree, and above all put our trust in God, and rely on him for wisdom and guidance. In a word becoming like a child is a change which acknowledges our sinfulness and our lack of wisdom, and in humility turns to God, placing ourselves under his rule and guidance.

This change will have at its heart the confession that we do not deserve to be a member of the kingdom of heaven of ourselves, but rather otherwise, and in repentance seek for mercy to be included as a member, and rather than seeking greatness, with humility leave ourselves to Jesus to exalt us or not, as he pleases, knowing his will is best.