18*4 of the Book of Matthew – Greatest in Heaven

Matthew 18*4 is referring to the book of Matthew. Below you will find the breakdown for Matthew 18:4 and as well as different translations of the verse.

Matthew 18:4

New International Version
Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New Living Translation
So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

English Standard Version
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New King James Version
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

18*2 Full Verse from The Book of The Matthew

18 At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

² He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

This verse is very counter-cultural for our world. In our world, people are constantly out to have more power, more prominence, more respect, more adoration from their people. What Jesus is saying in the book of Mattew is that in the Kingdom of Heaven, the greatest person is the one who humbles themselves the most.

When you humble yourself, you’re able to fully boast in Christ and exalt the great work of Jesus Christ. If you’re not able to humble yourself, you lose sight of the throne that Jesus sits on. This very idea is not how culture tells us to operate.

Look at social media; for example, it’s all about glorifying yourself. People live on social media to grow their following and prove their own greatness. What Jesus is saying in Matthew 18*4 is that there is no greatness apart from Jesus. When you find greatness, it’s all because of Jesus, and all of the Glory goes to him.