When the disciples were on their way to Capernaum, they disputed among themselves who should be greatest (see Mark 9: 33, 34). Matthew relates that they came to Jesus asking (18:1), "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" The account continues: "And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
This reply, which answered the disciples' query, included no human opinion; nor did Jesus pass any judgment upon the individual merits of his disciples. His rebuke, "Except ye be converted," was addressed to all of them and designated a direct and unconditional course of action, permitting no alternative. "Convert." as defined in a dictionary, means among other things "to turn from one belief or course to another." Hence the urgent need of a radical and sweeping change in the consciousness of the disciples. They had to be willing to turn from conceit, human ambition, and self-will to become as little children. That is to say, unless they reversed the trend of their thinking by embracing childlike qualities they could not hope to enter the heavenly kingdom.
Jesus, who was never indifferent to the welfare of his followers, was always found ministering to their spiritual needs. Under the guidance of his own perfect understanding he lovingly labored to lift their human sense of self to a higher concept.
