The answer is: He who humbles himself as a little child

Matthew 18 vs 4

When the disciples imagine greatness in the kingdom of heaven, it’s quite a counterintuitive notion that Jesus offers. By pointing to a child as the standard, He flips conventional ideas about power and prestige upside down. In a culture where authority often equates with status, Jesus challenges His followers to embrace humility.

Children represent purity and innocence, embodying the kind of open-heartedness that allows faster learning and growth. Isn't it fitting that in an era focused on achievement and accolades, the memorable lesson from Jesus highlights vulnerability instead? It’s an invitation to view greatness through the lens of meekness, making this passage not just timeless, but deeply relevant even today.

Interestingly, throughout the Gospels, we find that this theme of humility is reflected repeatedly, echoing in a manner that can add depth to our understanding. For instance, the proud Pharisees contrasted sharply with the humble tax collector in Luke 18, driving home the idea that God's favor isn't about self-advancement but about the heart’s posture.

You might also consider that in ancient Jewish culture, humility wasn’t typically a valued trait—wisdom and strength often were. So when Jesus promoted a child's qualities, he was providing a radical blueprint for a new society within his followers, turning the world’s value system on its head. By embracing this mystery of humility, one might find transition toward true greatness, shaping how we connect with others.