What does Jesus mean when he says we cannot enter the kingdom unless we change and become like little children?

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Jesus often references prophecy in his teachings, especially when he speaks in parables without offering clear explanation. “You must be like a child to enter the kingdom” is a reference to Isaiah 11:6, where it says “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” This is a description of the kingdom and our leading through a childlike dominion of love. Jesus did not elaborate as such because the audience was not yet ready to hear it, but the spirit reveals to those whose hearts are ready to hear it (John 16:12-13) and who ask with an earnest heart (Matthew 7:7).