Childlike Obedience, Submission, & Humility

By Hunter Grills

July 7, 2026

Matthew 18:2-4 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

In Matthew 18, the disciples asked Jesus a question regarding who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus then calls for a child to teach a wonderful truth. Verse two states that Jesus called a little child unto him, and He set him in the midst of them. The obedience of the child to answer the call of the Lord was followed by submission to be set in the midst of the disciples. In verse four, Jesus references the humility of a child.

Obedience, submission, and humility are characteristics we can all learn from this child that Jesus used as an example. As children of light, we are to live our lives obedient to the call of the Saviour by submitting to the command of His Word with a humble spirit. Jesus is the perfect example of this truth.

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Children are very special to the Lord, and the Bible has much to say about the young. Christ was teaching His disciples the simplicity of the Christian life and the importance of obedience, submission, and humility.

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Reflection—As angels look into the face of the Father, His face is turned to the little ones.