The way up is actually the way down

Have you ever seen those reels where parents start acting like their children, doing the weird and annoying things kids do, like messy eating, throwing tantrums, and wailing loudly? It’s both entertaining and ridiculous at the same time.🤣

As funny as it is, that’s not what Jesus meant when He said:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:3-5 NIV

So what did He mean? Let's explore the topic of childlike faith, based on Matthew 18:3.

Jesus gives this command–to become like children–in reply to the disciples asking Him, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1 NIV).

The disciples' question reflects a very human and basic urge: we all desire greatness.

Jesus, once again, makes it clear that in His Kingdom, things work quite differently.

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” – Mark 10:31 NIV

He redefines greatness—it doesn’t mirror the world’s climb for power or status. In His eyes, the way up is actually the way down.

Is Jesus suggesting that we should be unreasonable or throw a tantrum when life doesn’t go our way? Absolutely not! He isn’t calling us to be childish, but childlike.

And there’s a world of difference.

To become like little children is to trade self-sufficiency for dependency, pride for humility, fear for trust, resistance for openness, and scepticism for wonder.

Over the next few days, I want to walk with you through six beautiful qualities of childlike faith. Would you join me?

Hey! You are a Chamatkar.*

Jenny Mendes

P.S. The texts of this reading plan come from the daily email Chamatkar* Every Day. If you'd like to receive a daily encouraging email, I invite you to subscribe here.

* Chamatkar means Miracle