Like a Child

 

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 ESV).

 

At the time of Jesus’ teaching ministry, children had little status. They were often pushed aside as second-class citizens. So Jesus’ words got the attention of his listeners when he invited children to come near. This wasn’t the first time his disciples had heard Jesus’ teaching on this; and, it wasn’t the last time they tried to prevent access to Jesus. But Jesus would have none of that. He drew close to people whom society tended to cast aside. It was this characteristic that irked the self-righteous religious leaders most. He lived His humility and inclusion in His daily life. Today’s reading exemplifies Jesus’ attitude toward all people.

 

Some Christians have an attitude of pushing away people who are poor or who are different from them. There are many ways that we can tend to huddle close, excluding people who don’t fit our standards. Yet we don’t see that attitude in anything Jesus did. In fact, again and again Jesus reached out to the marginalized.

 

Thus, for Him to teach this principle of faith was eye-opening. To enter into the kingdom of heaven, Jesus says, we must receive it with complete dependence and trust, like a child. Children are at the mercy of their caregivers. They cannot protect themselves, defend them­selves, or provide for them­selves. They have to rely on and trust their caregivers for everything they need.

 

God wants us to see that we have the same kind of dependence on him for life and salvation. Trusting in him, relying on his power and mercy and grace, we can receive these wonderful gifts and enjoy full life forever. This is certainly epitomized in the joy of a child discovering life one step at a time. I hope you are encouraged to recapture your wonder of life. Even when it appears the storms of circumstance are overwhelming, remember God creates His good in the midst of such chaos.