The Greatness of Children

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Mark 10:13-16: And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them. 

Why are children great? Does anybody know why? Is it because they're "cute" and they do things that make adults go, "Aww?" Is it because there is no distrust in children? Supposedly, that is ingrained in them by adults. Is it because children are innocent and that there is a freedom about them?

What makes children, as well as adults, great is this.

1. The Kingdom of God
2. The Blessing of Jesus

The Kingdom of God:
What is the Kingdom of God? It is simply people who trust God who are saved by Jesus' blood shed for them, and who are disciples, ones who walk the walk and talk the talk of following Jesus. The Kingdom of God is made up of people who have God as their King BOTH on earth AND in heaven. The Kingdom of God is people of ALL races, ALL genders, and ALL ages, children included. And the Kingdom of God is built upon Jesus and what He did for people. He is what makes the Kingdom of God great and the people who are in it, great. 

Then this begs the question. How does one get into the Kingdom of God? That answer is simple, too. You are to believe in Jesus and what He did for you. That is the blessing of Jesus.

The Blessing of Jesus
Why do you think Jesus blessed the children? Was it because of the reasons mentioned above? Why did Jesus tell the adults that they would not get into the Kingdom of God "like a child?"

So, in order to enter the Kingdom of God, do we need to be innocent and trusting? Yes. Can we just start trusting and be innocent and "cute?" No.

Here is a reality check for us. Children are not always "cute." They are not always innocent. The are not always trusting. Children are sinners. Children have temper tantrums. Children are selfish. If you're a parent, you know this.

So why did Jesus bless them? Because they NEED His blessing. They need His salvation. They need His forgiveness and life. And so do you.

Jesus blessed you, too. You are a child of God, just older. You need the forgiveness of Jesus. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for you, to buy you back from sin and death. And that is His blessing. And His blessing makes you great.

Dear God, continue to remind us of Your blessing of life through Jesus, Amen.