Read Mark 10:13-16
Were you “shushed” as a child and reminded all the time to behave? Or were you encouraged to be yourself, testing boundaries, and scraping a few knees? Jesus clearly welcomes children, and so do I!
In addition to having children of my own, God has blessed me in ministry to work with many children over the years. What joy it is to see those children grow up and teach their own children about Jesus! Sadly, I’ve encountered plenty of people along the way who would rather “shush” the child, so they are seen and not heard. That’s what we see the disciples doing in this passage.
We can’t really fault the disciples too much. They thought they were doing Jesus a favor by “protecting” him from the disturbance children can bring. Jesus certainly didn’t see the children as a disruption in this instance. In fact, in this instance Jesus used children as the example for how we should approach the throne of God.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” What do you take away from Jesus’ words? What exactly do children do differently?
For one thing, children would not be legalistic trying to follow every law. Adults often get caught up in rule following, thinking that that is what pleases God. Children, on the other hand, would be curious. They would seek love, affection, and encouragement from Jesus with innocent expectation.
Children are extremely trusting and driven by their desire for love and attention. They are dependent on others. Young people have not yet become cynical about all the unfairness of the world. Their innocent trust goes a long way. How can we recapture that level of acceptance?
For me, surrounding myself with children and watching them experience the world helps me stay grounded. Although, my current situation working at an orphanage full of girls who have been abused and abandoned makes me wonder about their precious innocence. They indeed crave love and attention. It is my prayer that teaching them about Jesus’ love for them will help restore their broken spirits.
What about you? Is your spirit broken? Are you ready to recapture your own innocence so you can approach Jesus with awe and wonder?
Let’s pray. Lord, help me to receive your kingdom with the joyful innocence of a child. I thank you for how you mold me and make me more like you every day. Continue your work in my heart, cleansing me of my doubts and shame. Restore my innocence in seeking you with my whole heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
