Jesus said: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14
Children are a delight to be around. They are warm, funny, and extremely curious. But when you’ve been around long enough, you may be tempted to assume that they do not have much to offer at that young age, especially considering how awfully needy and dependent they are on their parents or caregivers. At face value, they have neither experience nor wisdom to leverage. But Jesus thought otherwise. When the disciples rebuked those who brought children to Him, Jesus reprimanded them instead and urged them not to hinder the children “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What did Jesus see in the children? How do they fit in the kingdom agenda?
I have the privilege of being around some children who are all very different yet no less fascinating. As I thought about what Jesus saw in the children, I keenly observed my three-year-old nephew alongside some other children in my life. Over the next few weeks, I will share thoughts on how the kingdom of God is suited for such as these.
The first thing you notice about children is how overly dependent they are on their caregivers or parents. They cannot do anything for themselves. They have to be fed, bathed, clothed, and even lulled to sleep. Honestly, it baffles me why they cry and fuss when they are sleepy instead of just closing their eyes and sleeping.
As the body of Christ, we are called to such a life of absolute dependence on God. We should lay down our lives so that the life of Christ may take effect in our lives. As a child submits to the wisdom of the parents, feeding when the parent determines it is time and only that which the parent provides, so are we called to be led and taught by the Holy Spirit who is from God.
In becoming a man, Jesus demonstrated that a man can live in complete dependence on God. He openly acknowledged that He could do nothing by Himself. He received His life from God and lived in absolute reliance on Him. When we are born again, we enter into a relationship with God under a new covenant where God Himself works both “to will” and ” to do. ” He not only quickens our hearts to obedience but also works out that obedience in us.
A child trusts that its caregiver is always acting in its best interest. When the child is sick, it takes medicine given by the parent even though it may be bitter. It may try to fight it, but ultimately, it finds comfort in the parent’s embrace. I think we are often like this child who doesn’t understand what is happening and why it is happening, yet the outcome is for the child’s good. But, like the child, we can trust that it is all working for our good.
We can only abide in Christ to the measure that we depend on Him. If anything, abiding in Christ is for the weak. It is weakness entrusting itself to the Mighty One to be kept; the unfaithful one casting self on one who is altogether trustworthy and true.
I commend us then to emulate this dependence demonstrated by children; that we would consent to let Christ do all for us, in us, and through us. As we abide in Him, He will show forth the riches of His grace, and give His fruit to a perishing world through us.
Love and Light
Quintessence
