Matthäus 18:4

4 Darum, wer irgend sich selbst erniedrigen wird wie dieses Kindlein, dieser ist der Größte im Reiche der Himmel;

Matthäus 18:4 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:4

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself
Whoever shall entertain mean thoughts of himself, and prefer others to himself, shall behave in a modest humble manner, not affecting dominion over others, or treating his brethren and Christians in a haughty and supercilious manner, with scorn and contempt; but condescend to those of the lowest state, and place himself in the lowest form, conversing with his friends freely and familiarly, without distinction,

as this little child;
or any other of the like age; for there is no reason to suppose, that there was anything peculiar in this child, which was not in another, it being common to children to behave towards one another, as on a level; not to envy one another, or to set up one above another, or be vainly elated with the distinctions of birth and fortune.

The same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven;
in the Gospel church state; which was verified in the Apostle Paul, though not one of the twelve: nor are these words limited to them; at least, this passage may be illustrated in his case: he thought himself to be the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be called an apostle; yet had the largest measures of grace, the greatest gifts and abilities; and was honoured with the greatest usefulness and success in the preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, and planting of churches; labouring more abundantly than they all.

Matthäus 18:4 In-Context

2 Und als Jesus ein Kindlein herzugerufen hatte, stellte er es in ihre Mitte und sprach:

3 Wahrlich, ich sage euch, wenn ihr nicht umkehret und werdet wie die Kindlein, so werdet ihr nicht in das Reich der Himmel eingehen.

4 Darum, wer irgend sich selbst erniedrigen wird wie dieses Kindlein, dieser ist der Größte im Reiche der Himmel;

5 und wer irgend ein solches Kindlein aufnehmen wird in meinem Namen, nimmt mich auf.

6 Wer aber irgend eines dieser Kleinen, die an mich glauben, ärgern wird, dem wäre nütze, daß ein Mühlstein an seinen Hals gehängt, und er in die Tiefe des Meeres versenkt würde.