Mark 10:13-16 "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
I was thinking about this passage today, and how precious a passage it is! Jesus reaches out with open arms to take these children and bless them, when the disciples tried to turn them away. So many times we tend to focus on Christ's majestic Kingly aspects (and rightly so; He IS the most perfect, holy King of Kings). However, I think sometimes we skim over His humility and love for the small, broken, humble things of the earth. These children were probably not princes being borne on royal litters to the feet of Jesus, (I doubt the disciples would have dared to rebuke those who brought them in that case!). They were most likely just humble Jewish children from the village Jesus was going through at the time. And yet Christ valued this time with them. And he even said that THEY made up the Kingdom of heaven?? What?
Well, look at the next part: Jesus says that whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will not enter therein. Take note: this does not mean during the time that they are a little child, but rather in the manner of a little child. How do little children receive the things of God? Well, I have had the privilege of teaching little ones who don't know anything about the Bible, and let me tell you: they drink it in. Every story is new and precious to them; every truth is like a lightbulb going on in their minds. It's so cool to see that! :) When I think of childlike faith, I think of that trust that God's Word is true...even if you can't understand everything, even if it doesn't quite make sense, you are believing it with all your heart because God said it. And that is how we receive salvation, is it not? Turning away from our sin and towards God in repentance and faith, saying "I believe Your Word and I'm acting on it!". And that, I believe, is why Jesus treasured the children who came His way. Their simple faith was a shining example to everyone of what it means to truly believe and lean on God. May we all have childlike faith in Him!
Mykaela
Amen!!
ReplyDelete