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At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:1–4, LSB

One of the greatest distortions in the world is the way we often see innocence stolen from children. Children are naturally trusting and caring for others when they are shown care and protection. They are not sinless and that is not what Jesus is saying. We know this to be true also, just put a toy between two toddlers and this will be evident, yet there is still an innocence present because even this behavior can be changed through positive correction. In the time of Jesus, children were little more than property in the eyes of the world, especially outside of Judean culture. For the Jewish people, the duty of a parent was to teach them the faith so they may grow to be faithful followers of God. To bother a Rabbi was not something that would be acceptable because children were not necessarily seen as being clean at that time since they did not do all the rituals of adults. Yet, there was still the innocence of a mind and heart ready to be shaped to faithfully follow God. We are called to this state in our faith journeys as we seek to follow God in all aspects of our lives. We are called to become like children and turn away from those things that sully our hearts and our minds trusting solely in God and His promises. The more we turn our lives over to Christ and less to the ways of the world, the greater the peace we may know through our Lord.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.