1
At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?"
2
For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room,
3
and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.
4
Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom.
5
What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.