Matthew 18:2

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} called {G4341} a little child {G3813} unto him {G4341}, and set {G2476} him {G846} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of them {G846},

He called a child to him, stood him among them,

Jesus invited a little child to stand among them.

And he called to him a little child, and set him in the midst of them,

Commentary

Matthew 18:2 describes a pivotal moment where Jesus uses a visual object lesson to teach His disciples about true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Following the disciples' debate about who would be the greatest, Jesus, with profound wisdom, calls a young child to stand before them.

Context

This verse is the immediate response to the disciples' question posed in Matthew 18:1: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" The disciples, perhaps still clinging to worldly notions of status and hierarchy, were seeking prominence. In their culture, children held little social standing and were often seen as dependent and insignificant. By placing a child "in the midst of them," Jesus dramatically subverted their expectations and challenged their understanding of leadership and value.

Key Themes

  • Humility as Greatness: The central message Jesus conveys is that greatness in God's kingdom is not measured by worldly power, status, or ambition, but by profound humility. The child serves as a living illustration of one who is naturally dependent, unassuming, and without pretense, qualities antithetical to the disciples' competitive spirit.
  • Childlike Qualities: Jesus highlights the essential qualities of a child that adults must emulate to enter and thrive in the kingdom. These include simple faith, trust, innocence, and a lack of self-importance. This concept is further elaborated in Matthew 18:3-4, where Jesus explicitly states, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
  • Accessibility of the Kingdom: The act of calling a child also emphasizes that the kingdom of heaven is accessible to all who humble themselves and receive it with simple faith, regardless of their social standing or perceived importance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word used for "little child" is paidion (παιδίον), which refers to a young child. It emphasizes their innocence, dependence, and lack of social status, making Jesus' choice even more striking. He didn't choose a scholar, a leader, or a wealthy person, but one considered insignificant by societal standards, thereby elevating the value of the humble.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 18:2 serves as a powerful reminder that our value and influence in God's eyes are not based on earthly achievements or recognition. Instead, true spiritual growth and effectiveness stem from a spirit of humility, dependence on God, and a willingness to receive the Kingdom with simple, unadulterated faith. It challenges us to shed pride, ambition, and self-sufficiency, embracing the childlike posture of humility and trust that Jesus exemplified and taught.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:13 (5 votes)

    ¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

  • Matthew 19:14 (5 votes)

    But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

  • Mark 9:36 (3 votes)

    And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

  • Mark 9:37 (3 votes)

    Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

  • 1 Kings 3:7 (3 votes)

    And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

  • Jeremiah 1:7 (2 votes)

    But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.