What does it really mean to become like a child in the kingdom of God? Reverend Chris Whitby joins Matthew for a thoughtful conversation that looks beyond the usual “childlike faith” language and explores what Jesus is actually saying in Matthew 18.

Chris, a longtime pastor in the northern Illinois district and former pastor at St. Paul, Mount Prospect, brings a deeply pastoral and text-driven perspective to one of the Bible’s most famous and challenging passages. Together, he and Matthew unpack the difference between childlike trust and childish pride—and why Jesus’ warning about causing “little ones” to stumble carries such weight.

In this episode, they explore:

– Why Jesus placing a child in the center is more than a sentimental moment
– How the original Greek sharpens the image of a child holding onto Jesus’ fingers
– Why greatness in God’s kingdom has more to do with dependence than achievement
– How the ancient world’s view of children changes the way we understand this passage
– What Matthew 18 teaches about accountability, humility, and caring for the overlooked

Matthew and Chris also connect the passage to the shepherd who searches for the one lost sheep and to the God who values people the world might dismiss. Along the way, they reveal how the disciples’ pursuit of status still appears today through comparison, performance, and self-justification.

If you’ve ever wrestled with what it means to receive the kingdom like a child, this conversation offers fresh insight into Matthew 18—and a deeper appreciation for the grace of Christ.