Matthew 18:3

Contemporary English Version (Anglicised) 2012

Then he said: I promise you this. If you don't change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

Cross References

1 Peter 2:2

Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved.

Matthew 19:14

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don't try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom.”

1 Corinthians 14:20

My friends, stop thinking like children. Think like mature people and be as innocent as tiny babies.

Psalm 131:2

But I have learnt to feel safe and satisfied, just like a young child on its mother's lap.

John 3:5

Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit.

John 3:3

Jesus replied, “I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!”

Luke 13:24

Do all you can to go in by the narrow door! A lot of people will try to get in, but will not be able to.

Acts 3:19

So turn to God! Give up your sins, and you will be forgiven.

Acts 28:27

All of you have stubborn hearts. Your ears are stopped up, and your eyes are covered. You cannot see or hear or understand. If you could, you would turn to me, and I would heal you.’ ”

John 1:51

I tell you for certain that you will see heaven open and God's angels going up and coming down on the Son of Man.”

Matthew 5:20

You must obey God's commands better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law obey them. If you don't, I promise you that you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 22:32

But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others.”

Mark 4:12

The reason is, “These people will look and look, but never see. They will listen and listen, but never understand. If they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.”

2 Peter 1:11

Then our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will give you a glorious welcome into his kingdom that will last for ever.

Acts 14:22

They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, “We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God's kingdom.”

Matthew 19:23

Jesus said to his disciples, “It's terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven!

Matthew 13:15

All of them have stubborn minds! Their ears are stopped up, and their eyes are covered. They cannot see or hear or understand. If they could, they would turn to me, and I would heal them.”

Matthew 6:16

When you go without eating, don't try to look gloomy as those show-offs do when they go without eating. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

Matthew 6:5

When you pray, don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

Isaiah 6:10

“Make these people stubborn! Make them stop up their ears, cover their eyes, and fail to understand. Don't let them turn to me and be healed.”

Matthew 6:2

When you give to the poor, don't blow a loud horn. That's what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

Matthew 5:18

Heaven and earth may disappear. But I promise you that not even a full stop or comma will ever disappear from the Law. Everything written in it must happen.

Matthew 18:2

Jesus called a child over and made the child stand near him.

Matthew 18:4

But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.