Children were important role models for Jesus. He invoked the image of a child to illustrate discipleship in several different manners. For example, Jesus said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.” We can’t become like a child in simplicity or innocence. Instead, Jesus says we must become “humble like this child.” Humility, that is truly knowing who one is as made in God’s image and relying on God’s gifts for even the basics of human life. Children understand that they don’t have to earn the love of their parents but that it is given freely unasked. We need to become like children in accepting what is given as a gift out of God’s goodness, not ours. Another way Jesus describes discipleship is that of receiving a child. ‘Whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.’ We receive a child not expecting to get anything out of it but for the sheer joy of welcoming this new set of possiblities into our lives. That is our relationship with Jesus as well.
