Learn this well: unless you receive the revelation of the kingdom realm the same way a little child receives it, you will never be able to enter in.

- Luke 18:17

Think back to your childhood. It was a much simpler time, right? As children, we had almost no responsibilities, no bills to pay, and we lived carefree and innocent. There was no knowledge of adulthood yet and no stress of the future to weigh us down.

Remember when someone told you something as a child and you immediately believed it without question? Back then, our minds were free of doubt because we had such a limited experience of the world. We did not require a deep understanding of something in order to believe in it.

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)

As adults, sometimes we may get too caught up in our pious, religious way of approaching our relationship with God. While it is important to grow in maturity and have composure, we can’t let ourselves lose our childlike approach to the Lord during that process. Like a child trusts and looks to their parents as their hero, so should we look to our Heavenly Father in the same way. Too often we allow the circumstances of life to dilute our belief in the Lord, polluting us with doubt and worry.

When you humble yourself before the Lord like a child, He is glorified. Not only that, but you are blessed in your relationship with Him as it causes you to draw nearer as you look to Him in simple childlike wonder again.  

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad

Use This in Your Personalized Scripture Journal

As you reflect on Luke 18:17, take time to write through these prompts:

• What does childlike faith look like in my life right now?
• Where do I overcomplicate my relationship with God?
• Do I approach Him with trust, or with hesitation?
• What worries would I release if I trusted like a child?
• How can I cultivate simplicity and humility in my faith?

Jesus calls us to receive, not achieve. Children trust freely, depend fully, and believe simply.

Use this space to write a prayer asking God to restore wonder, trust, and humility in your heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Luke 18:17 mean?
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God must be received with childlike trust and humility.

What is childlike faith?
Childlike faith is characterized by dependence, simplicity, trust, and openness — not naivety, but sincere reliance on God.

Does this mean adults should ignore wisdom?
No. It means adults should approach God with humility and trust rather than pride or self-reliance.

Why is humility important in faith?
Because pride resists dependence, while humility allows us to receive what God freely gives.

How can journaling strengthen childlike faith?
Writing prayers and reflections can help you simplify your thoughts and refocus on trusting God fully.