If one were to look around the world to see which virtues seem to be most exalted in our western society – independence, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, abundance, freedom – it paints a picture of someone who is mature, successful and therefore master of his own life. While these virtues in of themselves are admirable, Jesus makes it clear that none of them can lead us to the Kingdom of Heaven. In fact, the Kingdom of Heaven is not a question of our merit, success or competence – it is something which is received. As we continue following Jesus’ journey to the Cross of Cavalry, we look to his interaction with a group of children to gain insight into the nature of God’s Kingdom.
Let them come to me
The account in Luke 18:15-17 begins with groups of people bringing their young children to Jesus for him to lay hands upon them and bless them, only to be turned away by the disciples. In Ancient Israel, the custom of the time was to teach children at home and to only take them to worship in the Synagogues during special occasions, such as Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). It is during these special occasions that rabbis or priests would bless the children by laying hands upon them. Thus, for the most part, children did not directly participate or engage in informal religious gatherings. The disciples therefore could have turned the children away because they believed that it was inappropriate to bother Jesus, or simply that he had more important matters to focus on[1].
Jesus’ reaction, however is completely the opposite of his disciples’ expectation:
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16
As is his habit, Jesus shifted the cultural paradigm. He not only encourages children to come to him, but he in fact points to them as an example. In a strong, patriarchal culture, childlikeness stands in stark contrast to the values of resolve, strength, independence and competence. So, naturally we look at what childlikeness looks like.
A Posture of Love
As we read further in the account, Jesus specifies:
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:17
The most apparent quality regarding the nature of the Kingdom of God is that it is received not earned. Regardless of station, one must receive the Kingdom of God as intended: as a free gift of grace, purchased and given to us by God. The question then is naturally how does one in fact receive? As a little child would.
The account shows us that the children eagerly wanted to go to Jesus, to be with him and to be blessed by him. This is a beautiful picture of the uninhibited love which pleases the Lord. Additionally, the Greek word used for child «παιδίον» (paidion), is most often used to describe a young child or infant. As this narrows our focus, it shows that like an infant or young child is dependent on its parents for sustenance, protection and love, so too are we called to adopt a posture of childlike dependence on God. To receive the Kingdom then, is to humble ourselves in childlike adoration, dependence and trust in the full provision of God. He provided us His son, who paid the price for our weaknesses and transgressions on the cross of Cavalry. Out of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have earned the right to become children of God (John 1:12). We can know the love of the Father by looking to the finished work found on the empty cross of Jesus Christ, and as children to receive His free gift with wholehearted trust in a good Father.
For Reflection
We are in a tumultuous season in world history with the COVID-19 pandemic, and many may feel the need to stand strong in self-sufficiency and resilience. You may be finding it increasingly difficult to do so however. Know that in our weakness and feeling of helplessness, we are met with the loving embrace of a Father who sees us as His own purchased, precious possession – His children. In times such as these, let us cling to our Heavenly Father in childlike dependence, as He remains our inexhaustible source of strength and our unshakeable rock.
This is also an opportune time to draw near to God as a family. If you have children, consider Jesus’ care and love for them from the account above. As you grow in your dependence and trust in God, pray for your children, encourage them and teach them to know and love the Lord. During this global lockdown, many of us have been blessed with an abundance of more time than usual – let us make the most of it by investing our time in the lives of our young ones.
[1] SB Ferguson, ‘To Seek and to Save’, p.74.