Matthew 18:3-4,10 (NKJV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
What is it about a little child that Jesus is trying to convey? What does “Humbles himself” mean? I know a lot of Christians who are are strong, self confident, self sufficient, intelligent, controlling and resourceful individuals. Perhaps we are much much like these disciples Jesus is speaking to. I am thinking that this demand of Jesus is not really what we want to hear. So what is Jesus really demanding? Why did he choose Little Children?
We naturally desire power, status, self-sufficiency, control. Little children are naturally not strong, have no status, are not self-sufficient, and are trusting. Little children don't worry about things. They don't worry about their next meal. Little children are lowly and not great in the world’s eyes. But little children are happy, worry-free, and confident that their every need will be provided. Little children are not bothered by their lowly status and they are content to be cared for by their parents. Substitute every "little children" in this paragraph with "true Christians" and I think we might begin to understand what Jesus is saying.
Now, there is a lot more you can say about little children like for example: they are selfish, unproductive, and immature and that may very well be true of us as his "sheep" but I don't think that’s the point of the comparison which was answered to the question about who was the greatest.
We should not love being stronger or richer or more intelligent than others. We should not begrudge lack of recognition if we don’t get it from the world. We just trust and obey. What do we find our security and meaning and joy in? Jesus.
Matthew 11:25 (NKJV)
At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.