Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Matthew

[Dromo]

Matthew 18: 1-5

" At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And 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.”

There are lots of clues sure. But i feel this one is helpful in the context of 'What state of mind is Faith' or Why "New-Born" Christians instead of a regular one

Can mental innocence and imagination be regained after the world is through with you?

[jimwalton]

I'm trying to understand what you're asking, especially about "a clue." A clue to what? A clue about what?

Jesus is not talking about mental innocence and imagination. As is typical, there is a deeper meaning that is Jesus's real point. He's talking about discipleship, not innocence and imagination. His sense, as through all of Matthew, is an understanding that our communion with God is about relationship and not religion. A child in the ancient world was powerless, without rights, a nobody, a "seed." His point is that kind of humility (18.4), not anything to do with innocence. A child is humble not from intent and deliberate action, but from the nature of childhood—they have no presumptions of power or status. We don't approach God from a vantage point of rights, obligations, status and power, but instead from that of emptiness (Mt. 5.3), humility and submission. We have no case to press, but only throwing ourselves at His mercy. It was a direct contrast to the way the Judaistic religion approached God—on the basis of works.

If I have missed your point, please try again. I would love to talk about this.

[Dromo]

> A child is humble not from intent and deliberate action, but from the nature of childhood—they have no presumptions of power or status.

Nope you did not miss my point. That's what i meant by mental innocence