In Matthew 18, we find that Jesus’ disciples asked Him who would be considered the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus began His answer to their question by calling a little child over to them, and He had the child stand among them. Then He taught His disciples that unless they were converted and became like children, they would by no means enter the
kingdom of Heaven. (Jesus here referred to being born again, not in the natural way, but being born again by the Spirit of God, which is necessary for anyone to enter God’s kingdom). Jesus then said to His disciples that whoever humbled themselves like the little child standing in front of them would be counted among the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:1-4).
What are the attributes of humility demonstrated by that little child, which one must possess in order to make them great in the kingdom of Heaven? The little child that Jesus called over to them obeyed Him, and he did what he was told to do when Jesus called to him. He also showed that he trusted Jesus when he obeyed and came to Him. Another attribute of humility common to little children is that they are dependent upon their parents for everything they need to sustain their lives.
God, as He works out His sovereign plan for our lives, may bring us to places where we realize that we have no choice but to cast ourselves upon his mercy, waiting for His provision and sustenance for our lives. Such conditions are often experienced by poor believers living in “humble
circumstances”. And again as James taught us, those believers who find themselves living in humble circumstances should “glory” or take pride in the “high position” that God has assigned for them in His kingdom.