Childlike Believers - Jesus

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

Mark 10:13-14

Something about a baby or small child touches the hearts of most adults. They love the innocence and the inborn knowledge that nothing good comes unless Mom or Dad brings it.

Jesus had a heart for children. He showed his compassion and tenderness to anyone who knew they needed it, and he treated children with special kindness.

Jesus often used day-to-day events as object lessons. Though it angered him to see his disciples keeping parents from bringing their children to him, he used their ignorance and missteps to teach them that “anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them.

What did Jesus mean when he said to “receive the Kingdom of God like a child”? Jesus spoke of a childlike sense of utter dependence on God’s goodness and generosity. We can also have an unshakable faith that God is the source of everything good—in this life and in the life to come.

Do you have that kind of dependent faith in your loving heavenly Father? Would you call your faith childlike or childish?

How do you approach God—as your Creator, Provider, and loving heavenly Father? God desires to bless you, care for you, and guide you when you approach him with an attitude of childlike dependence and faith.