As we approach the middle of Mark, Jesus had reached full-fledged influencer status. Everywhere He went, crowds followed. Like a game of follow the leader, lines formed around every city block. Everyone wanted to talk to Jesus and touch Jesus. The Messiah from Galilee was making history, so parents naturally wanted their kids to get a front row seat. This led eager mothers to push through the masses to present their children before Christ.
The disciples were probably thinking, “Slow down. Our rabbi teaches complex ideas about the Kingdom of Heaven. He’s not making balloon animals for children. This isn’t some kiddie carnival.” Worried that Jesus would get distracted, the disciples pushed the families back. They rebuked overzealous parents, but Jesus immediately snapped back, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Stunned, they let their guard down as a group of kids rushed to sit in front of Jesus.
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it,” Jesus taught the crowd. Then he swept the little ones up in his arms to bless them, pray with them, and play with them. Christ told us to embrace our inner-child when it comes to faith. Here are three ways we can receive the kingdom of God like a child:
We should be teachable.
Kids are excited to learn new things. They’re constantly asking questions — eager to discover something new. We should strive to do the same. Ambitiously look to listen and learn at all times. You will never know everything, so commit to being teachable.
We should be filled with wonder.
Children experience awe and wonder at every turn. From a lit-up Christmas tree to an extra chicken nugget in their Happy Mea, there’s a special sense of wonder that children possess. Unfortunately, we lose that in adulthood. We become jaded by the amazing things around us. Strive to see the world through eyes of wonder. Magnificent beauty and glory are all around you. Strive to see it.
We should trust.
My nephew will throw himself off the ledge of the deep end in our swimming pool. He can’t swim, but he knows that someone will be there to catch him. There’s no hesitation or interrogation; he just leaps forward. We should do the same in life. We have an all-powerful God whose always there to catch us. So, go ahead! Take that metaphorical leap of faith. God’s got his arms out.