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I. THE TEMPER THAT DISTINGUISHES THE SUBJECTS OF DIVINE GRACE. "AS little children." Not like them in ignorance, not in fickleness, not in waywardness. Little children are teachable and ready of belief; are devoid of malignity; are characterized by humility.

II. THE WAY IN WHICH WE ARE TO ATTAIN IT. We must be "converted" and "become as little children."

1. The temper we are required to possess is not in us naturally, but is the consequence of a Divine change.

2. The change is to be judged of by its effect.

III. THE IMPORTANCE OF POSSESSING THIS TEMPER. "Ye shall not enter," etc. This exclusion —

1. The most awful.

2. The most unavoidable. "Without holiness man shall see the Lord."

3. The most universal.

4. What a difference there is between the opinion of the world and the judgment of God.

(W. Jay.)

I. CHILDLIKENESS IS THE TEST OF GREATNESS IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Resemblance to children, not in ignorance or in fickleness, but —

1. In a teachable spirit (Acts 9:6; Acts 10:33; Acts 16:30).

2. In a consciousness of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13).

3. In a dependent spirit (Matthew 6:31; Philippians 4:18, 19).

4. In freedom from ambition (Romans 12:16).

5. In a forgiving temper (1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:32).

II. THE DEGREE OF CHILDLIKENESS IS THE MEASURE OF GREATNESS.

1. Because it raises its possessor in the scale of our excellence.

2. Because it qualifies its possessor for higher usefulness.

3. Because it assimilates its possessor more nearly to the Redeemer.

4. Because it secures for its possessor a more exalted position in the heavenly world.

(1)  The necessity of conversion.

(2)  The beauty of humility.

(3)  The attraction of heaven.

(Various.)

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KJV: And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

WEB: Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in the midst of them,