Why does Jesus want us to be like children? (Matthew 18:3)

What did Jesus mean that we must become like little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven?
In Matthew 18:3 Jesus states: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus was emphasizing the importance of having childlike qualities in the way we relate with God. There are specific childlike qualities and characteristics that we must portray in our personal relationship with God.

1. Children are humble and dependent
In Matthew 18:4 Jesus says: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus is stating that we must be humble like children. A little child recognizes his limitations and therefore will be completely dependent on a parent.
In our own relationship with God, we must learn to be totally dependent on God in everything. We must acknowledge the sovereignty of God in our life. It is God alone who is in control and He alone can supply all our physical and spiritual needs.

2. Children are innocently curious
A little child is curious about all kinds of subjects and issues. Children desire to learn and can be teachable. They do not act like they know everything. Instead a little child asks questions and is curious because he wants to humbly learn.
In our own relationship with God, we are encouraged to learn from God and to seek Him. We must desire to grow spiritually through seeking to become more like Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Our source of truth, knowledge and understanding is rooted in what we learn from God and His word.
1 Peter 2:2 says: Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

3. Children are trusting
Little children have unquestioning faith. They have the ability to completely trust and not doubt.
In our personal relationship with God, we are encouraged to completely trust in God and not doubt the nature and character of God. We must believe that God desires to eventually see us succeed and prosper despite our present circumstances.
We must believe that God loves us and He works everything for our good (Romans 8:28).
To trust like a child means that we must have faith in God and we should not doubt His good and perfect character and nature.

4. God loves children
Because of the innocence and vulnerability of a child, Jesus emphasizes God’s love for children and His disappointment if anyone causes a child any kind of harm. God hates any situation where a child is deceived or exploited or endangered.
In Matthew 18:6 Jesus says: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Conclusion
The Christian life is like a relationship between a child and a parent (1 John 3:1). We have God as our heavenly Father – and all true believers are children of God. The Bible also refers to Christians as “children” or “little children”.
John 1:12 reads: Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God

From the moment Christ saved us, we became children of God. Everyday we must relate with God on the basis that we are His children and therefore we must humbly depend on Him completely as children.