Thursday, 26 March 2020 Mark 10:1-16
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” -Mark 10:15
Crowds followed Jesus wherever He went- He always welcomed them, had compassion on them, healed them of their sickness and did many miracles for them. The purpose of Jesus being with the crowds most of the time during His public ministry was to teach them about the Kingdom of God.
On one such occasion when Jesus went to Judea, as was His custom, He began teaching them. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them again about the Kingdom of God. He told them that if anyone does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, they would never enter it. What does it mean to be like a little child? Let us meditate on two characteristics of a child.
The faith of a Child: Children know nothing when they are born into this world. Their minds are open and receptive and responsive as they slowly begin to learn from their parents the essentials of life. Children are often keen listeners and demonstrate an eager interest in learning and putting into practice the new things they learn. Their trust in their parents or those close to them is instantaneous/wholehearted.
Salvation too can be received only with child-like faith and trust in Christ Jesus. A heart full of pride and self-righteousness is unable to grasp the finished work of Christ on the Cross that cannot be earned in any way. Ephesians 2:8&9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” A person demonstrates child-like faith and conviction on being able to enter God’s Kingdom through Christ and Christ alone.
Dependence of a Child even when corrected: There is a sense of helplessness which contributes to a child’s total dependency on parents /elders. Most often they would like to grasp the hand of the parent and cling on especially in unfamiliar surroundings or people. They are intuitively aware of the safety and protection they have in their parents. Hence even when disciplined/rebuked when they make mistakes, they may cry or keep away for a while but are quick to run back to the arms of their parents knowing their love and care for them. Proverbs 3:11,12 says, “My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” Have we experienced the Lord’s correction in our lives? If so, be encouraged, He loves us and we are His children – let us keep on trusting Him.
A note to the believer: Jesus is looking for people who are teachable, who trust in Him, are eager to listen to the Word of God and put into practice all that the Holy Spirit teaches them. Are we dependent on God and His Word for our spiritual growth? What is the condition of our heart today? Are we still full of pride and the self? Can we take correction when convicted? Let’s us ask God for forgiveness and turn back to Jesus and submit ourselves with a pure heart just like that of a little child to be taught by Him.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, we pray that we will have a child-like faith to trust You and be willing to be trained and disciplined by Your Word and Your Holy Spirit. Pour Your grace on us and strengthen us to receive Your kingdom, in Jesus name. Amen.