"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. (Matthew 18:1-5 NKJV)
What does Jesus merit of children? Of course not of childishness! There should be something other than mischievousness, carelessness, or selfishness. Learning mind and genuineness (opposite of pretense).
Children are rather blunt and straight, direct, honest, and at times ill-timed. They don't hesitate to ask any question promptly if they have whenever and wherever. But as they are getting aged they try to find a way to do by themselves, not even mention of what the problem is.
Pretense is hypocrisy. In honesty there is no room for pretense. Jesus severely rebuked the establishment of the nation because of their hypocrisy.
In Christ Jesus no hidings are tolerable. Jesus called His disciples friends because He did not hide anything at all (John 15:15). God said Abraham, "And the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing...'" (Genesis 18:17 NKJV)
Children are like sponge in learning and absorbing things and deeds heard and seen as a saying goes, "Monkeys see, monkeys do." The highly educated people of that day eas the Pharisees and scribes who rejected and refused the new teachings of Jesus Christ.
That's why Jesus say, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3 NKJV)
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