Key Verse:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:13-15)
Message:
The central message about the gospel of mark is following Jesus. Today, Mark gives us a better picture of who Jesus is and what his kingdom is and what it means to follow and work in this kingdom.
The word used in the Greek for little children is paidai, which is the word for ‘a little child in training’. Literally, children in their early years of development. Jesus taught his followers to portray a childlike attitude to belong to the kingdom of God. So, what are the attitudes of little children that we should emulate?
1. Trust and Faith: Children possess a natural trusting nature and tend to have faith in what they are told. They rely on their parents for guidance and believe what they are taught without questioning. In the same way, faith and trust in God’s promises and teachings are necessary to receive the kingdom of God.
2. Humility: Children are humble and have a sense of dependence on others. They do not have the pride or arrogance that often develops as people grow older. Similarly, to enter the kingdom of God, we must humble ourselves before Him, recognizing our need for His grace and salvation.
3. Simplicity: Children have a simple and uncluttered approach to life. They have not yet been influenced by the complexities and worries of the world. To receive the kingdom of God, we must adopt a childlike simplicity and focus on the essential truths of God’s love, mercy, and salvation.
4. Joy and Wonder: Children are filled with joy and wonder, finding delight in even the smallest things. They possess a natural curiosity and awe in the world around them. To enter the kingdom of God, we must embrace that childlike wonder and experience the joy of knowing and being in a relationship with God.
5. Forgiveness and Innocence: Children often forgive quickly and have an innocent nature. They don’t hold grudges or dwell on past wrongs. Similarly, to receive the kingdom of God, we must have a forgiving and innocent heart, letting go of bitterness and embracing God’s forgiveness.
Overall, receiving the kingdom of God like little children means having childlike faith, humility, simplicity, joy, wonder, forgiveness, and innocence. Jesus urges us to approach God with these qualities to enter into His kingdom and experience the fullness of His love and grace.
Food For Thought:
To receive the kingdom of God like a child requires a change of heart and a shift in mindset.
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THE KINGDOM OF GOD
1.Pursuing the Kingdom of God
2.Receiving the Kingdom Like Children
3.Entering the Kingdom of God
4.Our Identity in the Kingdom of God
5.Hindrances to Inheriting the Kingdom of God
6.The New Temple of the Kingdom of God
7.Advancing the Kingdom of God
8.Nehemiah Prayer: A Blueprint for Kingdom Building
9.Kingdom Builders: Prevailing Through Adversity
10.Allegiance to Two Kingdoms
11.When Kingdoms Collide
12.Remaining Faithful in God’s Kingdom through Resilience https://samnetanel.org/archives/1697