Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Luke 18:17 (NKJV)
What does Jesus mean when He says we must receive the kingdom of God as a child? How can those who are far removed from childhood be as children?
People brought their children to Jesus so that He could lay his hands on them and bless them, but Jesus’ disciples took a “high brow” approach toward those parents and their children, thinking them unworthy of the Master’s time and attention. Yet Jesus looked upon the heart, and saw the innocence and love of these children, their devotion and desire for Him, and it is this same sort of innocent devotion, admiration, and desire that should mark his ‘older’ disciples.
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14 (NKJV)
Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:15-16 (NKJV)
A child is also humble, without a lifetime of difficulties and experiences to bring bias and preconceived ideas along as a ball and chain, clouding judgment and vision. Children can sometimes see things more clearly than adults, they do not have our prejudices and attitudes. In other words, they are a clean slate, open to ideas and understanding that learned adults would scoff at. Is it any wonder Jesus says we must be as children in our hearts?
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:3 (NKJV)
Sometimes this world can make us jaded and hard of heart. Our difficulties and circumstances can cloud our judgment and darken our vision, in such times we need to call upon the Lord to renew a childlike heart within us.
Dear Lord, renew our hearts and minds to childlike devotion to thee. Amen.
Karlton Douglas
copyright 2016
What does Jesus mean when He says we must receive the kingdom of God as a child? How can those who are far removed from childhood be as children?
People brought their children to Jesus so that He could lay his hands on them and bless them, but Jesus’ disciples took a “high brow” approach toward those parents and their children, thinking them unworthy of the Master’s time and attention. Yet Jesus looked upon the heart, and saw the innocence and love of these children, their devotion and desire for Him, and it is this same sort of innocent devotion, admiration, and desire that should mark his ‘older’ disciples.
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:13-14 (NKJV)
Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:15-16 (NKJV)
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:3 (NKJV)
Sometimes this world can make us jaded and hard of heart. Our difficulties and circumstances can cloud our judgment and darken our vision, in such times we need to call upon the Lord to renew a childlike heart within us.
Dear Lord, renew our hearts and minds to childlike devotion to thee. Amen.
Karlton Douglas
copyright 2016
Karlton, I'm soooo thankful that Jesus understands my worries! Great reminder that Jesus prayed 3 times before the cross, which is such an encouragement to me. Praise God that He'll take my worries as I come to Him in prayer. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
ReplyDeleteMe too Kerryn :) I've said so many times--I don't know what people do without Jesus. Thankfully we have Him, or rather He has us :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Blessings.