What is the meaning of Luke 18:17?
Truly I tell you,
- Jesus prefaces His statement with a solemn affirmation, underscoring that what follows carries divine authority (cf.John 3:11;Revelation 3:14).
- This “amen” formula signals the certainty of the truth being declared, inviting listeners to receive it without reservation.
anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God- The kingdom is God’s reign now in the hearts of believers and ultimately in Christ’s future rule (Luke 11:20;Revelation 11:15).
- “Receive” highlights that the kingdom is a gift, not a human achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9;Titus 3:5).
- The negative frame warns that refusal or failure to receive excludes a person from salvation (John 1:12;Hebrews 4:2).
like a little child- Children exemplify humble dependence, trusting obedience, and an absence of self-righteous claim—qualities God commends (Matthew 18:3-4;Psalm 131:2).
- Their readiness to believe those they trust mirrors the faith God desires toward His promises (Romans 4:20-21).
- Far from childishness, this is childlikeness: simple, surrendered confidence in the Father’s goodness (James 1:17).
will never enter it.- Entrance is either granted or barred; neutrality is impossible (John 3:5; 14:6).
- “Never” (literally “by no means”) conveys absolute exclusion—underscoring the urgency of possessing childlike faith (Hebrews 2:3; 12:25).
- The warning also comforts believers: those who do embrace the kingdom with such trust are assured full access (1 Peter 1:3-5).
summaryJesus insists that the only doorway into His kingdom is humble, trusting, childlike faith—relinquishing self-reliance, receiving His rule as a gift, and resting in the Father’s character. Those who come this way are welcomed; those who refuse cannot enter.
