"Unless you become like a child,

you will not enter the Kingdom Of Heaven." Matt 18:2-3

Every journey of faith begins with a moment of profound simplicity—a turning of the heart, a gentle return to something lost and found again. In the words of Christ recorded in Matthew 18:2-3, “Unless you become like a child, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” we hear not just a command, but an invitation. An invitation to rediscover innocence, trust, and wholehearted reliance on God—a spiritual posture that unlocks the doors to grace and belonging in the Kingdom.

At Journeys of Faith, we have witnessed firsthand how this call to “Become like a Child” echoes in the lives of saints, pilgrims, and seekers from every walk of life. Our mission, rooted in decades of pilgrimage and devotion, is to help every soul encounter that transformative simplicity—whether beside the tombs of saints, before the miracle of the Eucharist, or within the sanctuary of the heart. As Catholics, we are challenged to reclaim the wonder that first drew us to Christ and let it illuminate our path forward.

This reflection is not just a theological exploration—it's a practical call to cultivate childlike humility, openness, and faith in our daily spiritual lives. The Gospel summons us to shed cynicism, embrace mystery, and trust our Heavenly Father as only a child can. In this spirit, let us reflect together on what it truly means to “Become like a Child,” drawing from the wisdom of the Church, the lived witness of the saints, and the timeless beauty of Catholic tradition. On this pilgrimage of heart and mind, we journey as “One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit, With One Vision”—seeking to enter ever deeper into the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Childlike Trust in the Father

When Jesus called His disciples to “become like a child” (Matthew 18:2-3), He was not romanticizing innocence or naiveté. Rather, He was inviting us into the radical disposition of trust—a total dependence on God the Father. In a world obsessed with self-reliance and skepticism, the posture of a child before the Father stands out as both countercultural and transformative.

Think of a small child, reaching instinctively for a parent’s hand. The child does not calculate odds, negotiate terms, or withhold affection. Instead, the child leaps into trust, believing without question that the parent will provide, protect, and guide. In the same way, Christ calls each of us to relinquish our anxieties, our need for control, our fear of surrender—and to rest instead in the arms of a loving Father who knows us better than we know ourselves.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus Himself models this childlike trust. In the Garden of Gethsemane, amidst crushing sorrow, He prays, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). His use of the intimate Aramaic “Abba” illuminates the deep familial connection God desires with every soul. Trust does not require us to deny fears or pretend all is easy. Rather, it means that amid struggles, our first instinct is to turn to God—with the same transparent confidence and vulnerability as a beloved child.

Saints throughout history have embodied this attitude. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “Little Way,” transformed daily tasks and trials into acts of radical dependence on God’s mercy. She wrote, “Jesus does not demand great actions from us but simply surrender and gratitude.” This is the heart of the call: to become like a child, to run to the Father, and to know that He will never abandon us.

When we approach prayer with childlike trust, burdens grow lighter, and the Eucharist becomes a daily encounter with Divine Love. Trusting as a child, our hearts are opened to grace—and we glimpse the Kingdom of Heaven breaking into our lives here and now.

Humility as the Gateway to Heaven

When Jesus placed a child in the midst of His disciples and told them, “Unless you become like a child, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” He was not simply holding up innocence as the highest virtue. At the heart of His teaching lies humility—true, childlike humility that opens our hearts to grace and communion with God.

Children trust, depend, and freely surrender, never presuming to control their world. Their littleness is not a defect, but a doorway: they know that they need help, and so they reach upward, confidently expecting to be held. This total reliance is the humility our Lord calls us into—a humility that recognizes our spiritual poverty and need for the Father’s love above all else.

The saints, in the fullness of Catholic tradition, echo this message time and again. St. Thérèse of Lisieux wrote about her “little way,” a spirituality rooted in humble abandonment to God, seeing herself as a child resting securely in the arms of her Heavenly Father. Humility, she affirmed, is not self-abasement, but the joyful embrace of our place before God—allowing His greatness to shine through our littleness.

This virtue is not manufactured by our willpower, but cultivated through prayer and self-emptying. The Eucharist itself is the school of humility: Jesus comes to us hidden, small, and vulnerable, trusting us with His Real Presence. Approaching Him in this sacrament, we are invited to shed all pretense, simply acknowledging our need and welcoming the Gracious Giver.

To become like a child is not to regress, but to advance—shedding pride and self-sufficiency so that God may act in us. In humility, we discover the gateway to Heaven wide open before us, not by merit but by becoming truly, simply, wonderfully His children.

 

Spiritual Poverty and Dependence on God

Christ’s command to “become like a child” is not a call to naiveté or immaturity, but to embrace a profound spiritual poverty—a humble, wholehearted dependence on our Heavenly Father. In the Gospel, Jesus presents a child as the model for those who would enter the Kingdom of Heaven (cf. Matthew 18:2-3), highlighting not innocence alone, but a deep posture of trust and surrender.

Children, without the layers of pride and self-reliance that adulthood often builds, come to those they trust with open hands and simple hearts. They know their littleness, and so they do not hesitate to ask, to hope, to receive. In this disposition, the Lord invites us: to shed our illusions of self-sufficiency, to accept that all is grace, and to find our dignity not in achievements but in belonging to Him.

The saints, too, recognized the beauty in this spiritual poverty. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” famously spoke of her “little way”—approaching God with the confidence and poverty of a child who knows she is loved, even in her weakness. The Catechism echoes this truth: “To become ‘children’ in relation to God is the condition for entering the kingdom” (CCC 526).

True spiritual poverty is not desolation but a position of receptivity and hope. It is an invitation to set aside the burdens of self, to find courage in Christ’s promises, and to let our hearts be filled, again and again, by the Divine Provider. Such dependence transforms the soul, making room for the grace, guidance, and loving correction that God desires to give.

 

Learning Obedience from the Holy Family

When pondering what it means to become like a child in the eyes of Christ, our hearts are naturally drawn to the home of Nazareth. The Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—presents the most perfect human example of childlike obedience, not through weakness, but through a trusting and unwavering surrender to the will of God. For Catholics, this example is not a distant memory from an ancient text; it is a living lesson in sanctity, humility, and spiritual maturity.

Consider the child Jesus, God made flesh, who “…went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them” (Luke 2:51). Here is the Eternal Word, submitting Himself to the authority of His earthly parents. In a world that prizes autonomy and independence, Christ reveals the hidden power of obedience—a virtue not of resignation, but of loving trust. To become like a child is to recognize that obedience, far from diminishing our dignity, actually conforms us most closely to Jesus Himself.

Mary, too, models this childlike trust. At the Annunciation, her “fiat”—“Let it be to me according to your word”—resounds with the echo of a trusting daughter’s heart. She surrenders her own plans with full confidence in the Father’s love, not knowing what suffering or joy the future might bring. Her yes is both simple and profound—a perfect prayer for anyone who seeks to surrender to God’s will.

Joseph reminds us of the quiet strength in humble compliance. When called by God in his dreams, he rises without hesitation to protect and provide. He does not need to understand every detail; faith, for him, means immediate action rooted in trust. His obedience, like that of a diligent child, is silent but steadfast, showing us that faithfulness in the ordinary can lead to extraordinary holiness.

In the Holy Family, we witness a dynamic, living obedience—a daily, practical yes to God. May we learn from their example that to become like a child is not a call to childishness, but to a mature spiritual innocence: open, trusting, and obedient to the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father.

 

The Saints on Holy Simplicity

In the heartbeat of our Catholic tradition, the saints—those luminous witnesses to Christ—echo time and again the importance of holy simplicity. To become like a child is not naivety but a radical spiritual clarity: a vision unclouded by self-importance, utterly trusting in the Father's providence. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the "Little Flower," exemplified this. Her “little way” teaches us to take small steps in love and obedience, confident that God treasures our trust more than our achievements. She wrote, "Jesus does not demand great actions from us, but simply surrender and gratitude." For Thérèse, childlike faith wasn't weakness; it was the path to sanctity.

St. Francis of Assisi embraced simplicity so fervently that he became poor with the poor, surrendering possessions and pride alike. His life radiated a joyous freedom rooted in his humble dependence on God. Francis famously exhorted his followers to “hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves, so that He who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally.” By stripping away worldly complication, Francis discovered the richness of being God’s beloved child.

St. Jean-Marie Vianney, the Curé of Ars, brought this holy simplicity into his daily ministry: living modestly, praying fervently, listening deeply. He showed that true wisdom lies not in complex theological arguments but in the simple, steadfast love of God and neighbor. Like these holy men and women, we are invited to let go of spiritual pretense and to receive faith with the open hands and unhindered joy of a child—like the saints who have gone before us, who trusted wholly in the Father’s love.

 

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Breaking the Chains of Self-Sufficiency

In the heart of Jesus’ teaching—“Unless you become like a child, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven”—lies a profound challenge to the relentless spirit of self-sufficiency that defines the modern world. Children, by their very nature, lean wholly on their parents for everything. Their needs, their joys, even their hurts, are never carried alone. In contrast, as adults, we are conditioned to hide our vulnerabilities, to claim independence as both shield and badge of honor.

But Christ’s words pierce this illusion of self-reliance. He beckons us to return to that holy dependence, to surrender our stubborn grip on control and open our hearts in trust. The saints and mystics understood this deeply: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “Little Way,” built her entire spirituality on a childlike dependence on the mercy and providence of God. She wrote, “To remain little is to recognize one’s nothingness, to expect everything from the good God, as a little child expects everything from its father.”

For Catholics seeking to grow in the spiritual life, this call means examining the ways we try to save ourselves—through accomplishment, intellect, or material security—and trading them for the radical humility to say, “I can’t do this alone.” The Sacrament of Reconciliation becomes not just a place of confession, but a school of trust, where we learn to lay aside pride and accept divine love. In the Eucharist, we approach the altar as beggars, receiving the Bread of Life with empty hands.

To become like a child, then, is not to abdicate responsibility, but to cultivate a humble heart that willingly receives, learns, and loves. It is to break the shackles of self-made holiness and enter into the liberating dependence on God that is the mark of true spiritual maturity.

 

Purity of Heart in a Complicated World

In today’s world, complexities tug at us from every direction—questions of morality, the pressures of achievement, and an endless scroll of distractions. Yet, in Matthew 18:2-3, Christ sets before us a paradox: to become like a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. What does this truly mean for Catholics striving to live faithfully amidst confusion and noise?

To be childlike is not to be childish or naive. It is to have an undivided heart—a heart that loves, trusts, and hopes without duplicity. A child’s purity is not about ignorance; it is about openness, unguarded sincerity, and a willingness to depend fully on the Father. Christ's call invites us to let go of cynicism and self-reliance, and instead embrace humility and awe.

The saints show us that this isn’t just poetic idealism. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” found holiness by embracing spiritual childhood, resting in the certainty that God loved her in her littleness. Childlike purity allowed her to love God and others freely, unburdened by pride or ambition. Learning from her, we sense that purity of heart is an active striving—a daily “yes” to God’s will, even in the midst of technology, busyness, and spiritual fatigue.

To become like a child is not a retreat from reality but a radical, countercultural stand. It means believing in Goodness when the world tempts us with doubt, responding to suffering with trust in Providence, and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ. In all the layered complexity of modern life, the call is clear and bold: return to simplicity, honesty, and faithful dependence. This is the path toward purity of heart, and, ultimately, the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Receiving the Kingdom with Open Hands

When Jesus calls us to “become like a child,” He isn’t inviting us to naiveté or immaturity; He’s pointing to a child’s radical openness and unguarded trust. Children approach the world without pretense or calculation. Their hearts aren’t weighed down by pride, fear, or skepticism. In this purity of heart, they are able to receive love without condition or reserve—a disposition essential for anyone longing to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The saints, our revered guides along this journey of faith, have shown us that true spiritual maturity often looks like humility—simple, obedient, childlike. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, whose “Little Way” is a path of loving trust and surrender, embodies this teaching. She wrote about approaching God with “open hands,” confident that the Lord delights in responding to our littleness with a flood of grace.

To receive the Kingdom with open hands means abandoning our illusions of self-sufficiency and surrendering to the Father’s care. The Catechism highlights this: “His reign is already present in the hearts of children and of the poor, of those who accept it with humility” (CCC 544). The invitation is clear—spiritual growth demands humility, wonder, and a bold willingness to trust God as a child trusts a loving parent. It is only with empty, trusting hands that we can receive the fullness of His kingdom.

 

Wonder and Awe Before the Eucharist

To become like a child is to look at the world with fresh eyes—eyes that can expect miracles, eyes unhardened by cynicism. Nowhere is this childlike wonder more powerful than in our encounter with the Holy Eucharist. The altar draws us into the divine mystery, inviting hearts, whether newly awakened or lifelong faithful, to gaze with awe upon the Real Presence of Christ Himself.

Children never tire of gazing in wonder; a simple piece of bread or wine becomes, in Jesus’ hands, the infinite. The Church, steadfast in her teaching, invites us into this reality at every Mass. It is not just a symbol, but Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—stooping down to meet us, drawing us to Himself in love and communion. How often do we allow routine or familiarity to dull this marvel? How often do we forget that we stand on sacred ground when we approach the altar?

Personal experience and the lives of the saints both reveal this profound reverence. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, even as a child, spoke of being overwhelmed by love at her First Communion, describing the Eucharist as “a kiss of love” from Jesus. For her and countless others, approaching the Eucharist was never casual; it required a heart utterly open, receptive, eager—like a child who trusts completely, never doubting the promise of Christ’s words: “This is My Body.”

To kindle this wonder, we are called to slow down, to set aside distractions, and to let ourselves be astonished. Kneeling at the altar rail or bowing before the tabernacle, the Church invites us—no, challenges us—to rekindle our sense of awe. In doing so, we “become like children” anew, welcoming Christ and His Kingdom with simplicity, humility, and boundless trust.

 

Marian Model of Childlike Fiat

In the Gospel accounts, Mary stands as the supreme example of what it means to become like a child before God. At the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel presents to her a message so overwhelming, so world-shifting, that anyone might have recoiled in fear or skepticism. Yet, Mary’s response—her fiat, her humble "Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38)—is the very picture of childlike trust. She questions not with doubt but with pure honesty, then surrenders her entire life to God’s mysterious will with unwavering confidence.

This is not a naïve or passive submission; it is the bold, trusting surrender of a child who knows, with every fiber of her being, that her Father will provide. Mary's openness becomes a blueprint for us: she does not demand details or guarantees, nor does she cling to her own plans. She models listening with the heart, obedience rooted in love, and a radical dependence that is not weakness, but the essence of faith itself.

Throughout her life, Mary persists in this posture of childlike faith, even when the road leads her to Calvary. She ponders and treasures the mysteries she cannot fully understand, inviting us to stand before the mysteries of God with the same humility. To embrace her Marian model is to risk trusting God beyond our understanding, to see faith as an adventure of surrender—a spiritual childhood, as Saint Thérèse of Lisieux would later call it.

If we long to enter the Kingdom, we must choose this same Marian path: a daily fiat echoing in the quiet places of our hearts, a childlike 'yes' to the Father’s will, however unexpected or challenging it may seem. In surrendering control, we receive freedom; in becoming small, we become great in the eyes of God.

 

Conclusion: Embracing Childlike Faith on Our Journey

In the heart of the Gospel, Jesus calls us to “become like a child,” reminding us that entry into the Kingdom of Heaven requires a spirit molded by humility, wonder, and absolute trust. For the Catholic Christian, this is not a call to naivety, but to spiritual maturity—a maturity rooted in reliance upon the Father, just as a child relies on their parent. Through the eyes of faith, we realize every step in our journey, whether on a distant pilgrimage or in the quiet corners of our homes, is an invitation to deeper trust, hope, and surrender.

At Journeys of Faith, we understand the challenges and graces that come with striving to “become like a child” amid a world saturated with skepticism and distraction. Yet, we’re reminded that the saints themselves—therese of Lisieux, Francis of Assisi, and so many others—walked this path of holy simplicity, showing us that true greatness lies in littleness and obedience.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit for the grace to shed our defenses, rekindle our spiritual curiosity, and approach Jesus in the Eucharist with hearts pure and open. In embracing a childlike spirit, we remain one heart, one mind, one spirit, with one vision—ever journeying toward the Kingdom together.

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FAQs About "Become Like a Child" – Matthew 18:2-3

What does "become like a child" mean in Matthew 18:2-3?

To “become like a child” in Matthew 18:2-3 is to embrace the humble, trusting, and dependent spirit of a child before God the Father. Jesus is not instructing us to be childish, but rather childlike—willing to trust, obey, and rely entirely on Him. This embodies openness, sincerity, and a humble acceptance of our need for God’s mercy. According to Catholic tradition, this verse reminds us that true discipleship calls for a surrender of pride and a return to spiritual simplicity.

Who was Jesus speaking to in this passage?

In this scripture, Jesus was addressing His disciples. They were debating about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, perceiving the pride and ambition in their hearts, took the opportunity to teach them the true pathway to greatness in God’s eyes.

Why did Jesus use a child as an example?

Jesus chose a child as His example because, in the culture of His time, children were considered lowly, with no special status or privileges. By placing a child in their midst, Jesus was challenging the disciples’ notions of power and importance, shifting the focus to humility, innocence, and total dependence on God.

What qualities of a child are emphasized in this teaching?

The qualities Jesus highlights are humility, trust, docility, innocence, and an ability to receive. In Catholic spirituality, these attributes are considered essential for drawing near to God and responding to His love. Children naturally depend on their elders—just as we are called to depend on our Heavenly Father.

How is humility connected to entering the Kingdom of Heaven?

Humility is the gatekeeper of sanctity. Christ teaches that “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). Entering the Kingdom requires us to renounce self-sufficiency and acknowledge our total need for God’s grace, mirroring the spiritual littleness of children.

Does this verse refer to literal or spiritual children?

While Jesus used a physical child as a visual aid, His message is for all His followers—children and adults alike. He calls everyone to cultivate a childlike spirit in their relationship with God. The passage insists on spiritual childhood: approaching God with purity, trust, and dependance, regardless of our earthly age.

How can adults apply this teaching in their daily lives?

Adults can “become like a child” by praying with honesty, letting go of pride, asking God for help with childlike trust, and submitting themselves to the will of the Father. Practical examples include frequent confession, simple acts of faith, seeking spiritual guidance, and nurturing gratitude for God’s blessings—ever mindful of their dependence on God’s loving providence.

What is the historical context of this teaching?

At the time, children had little social power or voice, and humility was not valued in society. Jesus’ direction upended the cultural norm, redefining spiritual greatness for His followers. He invited His disciples to adopt humility and lowliness, counter to worldly ambition and self-promotion.

How did the disciples react to Jesus' statement?

The Gospels recount that Jesus’ words often startled the disciples and challenged their expectations, prompting self-reflection. This moment became a turning point in their understanding of discipleship—not as a contest for status, but as a journey of self-emptying and loving trust in God.

Are there other Bible verses with similar messages?

Yes. Many verses echo this call to spiritual childhood and humility, including:

·       Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me…for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

·       1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another…”

·       James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

·       Luke 18:17: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

For more, explore the lives of saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose “Little Way” embodies this very teaching—a true witness to becoming like a child in the eyes of God.

Journeys of Faith is dedicated to nurturing these truths in every Catholic heart, helping believers embrace the wonder and trust of spiritual childhood as we walk One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit, With One Vision!