Matthieu 18:4

4 C'est pourquoi, quiconque s'abaissera, comme cet enfant, celui-là est le plus grand dans le royaume des cieux.

Matthieu 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.

Matthieu 18:4 In-Context

2 Et Jésus, ayant fait venir un enfant, le mit au milieu d'eux,

3 Et dit: Je vous le dis en vérité, si vous ne vous convertissez, et si vous ne devenez comme des enfants, vous n'entrerez point dans le royaume des cieux.

4 C'est pourquoi, quiconque s'abaissera, comme cet enfant, celui-là est le plus grand dans le royaume des cieux.

5 Et quiconque reçoit un tel enfant en mon nom, me reçoit.

6 Mais si quelqu'un scandalise un de ces petits qui croient en moi, il vaudrait mieux pour lui qu'on lui attachât une meule au cou, et qu'on le jetât au fond de la mer.