Luke 18:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

NIV: Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

NASB: Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.'

CSB: Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

NLT: I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.'

KJV: Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

NKJV: Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Parents have been bringing their children for Jesus to bless. The disciples have been trying to stop them. They assume Jesus' time is too valuable to waste on those who have nothing to give (Luke 18:15). When Jesus hears them, He becomes indignant (Mark 10:14). He tells the disciples to let them come and to get out of their way. The kingdom of God belongs to those like these children (Luke 18:16).

Although adults bring these children to Jesus, He suggests a mutual acceptance between the children and Himself. The children come, and He accepts them. In return, they receive and enter the kingdom of God. Jesus' acceptance is the manifestation of God's kingdom in the moment. They have entered a holy place.

Some scholars believe that Jesus' words affirm the practice of infant baptism. That's not what He's teaching, here. Jesus is saying that children receive the kingdom of God with no expectation that power, good works, money, or reputation is required. They just walk in, and God welcomes them. Elsewhere, Jesus points out that to become like a child is a choice: "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3–4).

Next, Luke describes someone who finds this idea difficult. This man is important, rich, and godly. It appears that God has rewarded his obedience with earthly treasures; he expects to enjoy heavenly rewards as well. But he does not enter like a child. He wishes to keep his place in the world. Ironically, the disciples are more like the children than they know (Luke 18:18–30).

Luke 18:15–17 begins another comparison and sets up yet one more. Here, Luke compares Jesus, who welcomes children gladly, to the disciples, who want to "protect" Him from wasting His time. When paired with the next story about the rich ruler, we see how children with no worldly treasures are freer to enter God's kingdom than a powerful adult who values riches (Luke 18:18–25). Jesus also interacts with children in Matthew 19:13–15 and Mark 10:13–16.

Luke continues to arrange Jesus' teachings by their topic. Here, he includes two parables: the persistent widow and the Pharisee and the tax collector. Jesus encourages children to approach Him. He interacts with a moral, wealthy man who can't bear to follow Jesus if it means giving up wealth. After another prediction of His death, Jesus encounters and heals a blind man on His way to Jerusalem.

Luke 18 approaches the end of Jesus' "travelogue" to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51—19:27). Luke has selected miracles, teachings, and events to show how Jesus trained His disciples. His emphasis was explaining the kingdom of God in preparation for their work to build the church. Luke 18 includes several contrasts between those who understand God's kingdom and those who don't. Luke 19 includes the story of Zacchaeus and another parable before Jesus' triumphal entry and the Passion Week. These stories are also found primarily in Matthew 19—20 and Mark 10.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.