“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’ ” (Matthew 18:3).

When I first read this I thought of the innocence and playfulness of children. They really bring joy to our lives. In some ways they are refreshingly innocent and haven’t been tarnished by the scars life leaves. Jesus loves little children and we do, too.

However, that isn’t the point Jesus was making. Children can be mischievous and naughty as well. Every parent knows that. Jesus was pointing out something that was universally true then and now. Children are helpless, weak, and vulnerable. They depend on others to feed them and care for them. That’s what breaks our hearts when they are abused.

Jesus was letting us know that the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven is by realizing our weakness and our need of Him. When we approach Jesus we are to acknowledge our weakness and vulnerability. There is no room for the “I can handle this by myself” approach.

When we realize that we need Jesus as much as children need us we are grasping the truth Jesus taught. When I was a child I didn’t worry about dinner. I knew Mom and Dad would take care of that. I didn’t worry about my education. I had teachers to help me learn. Jesus wants us to feel the same way about Him. Instead of fretting we can trust Him. That would restore a sense of childlike playfulness to any of us.