What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child? Jesus’ listeners in the ancient world did not have our modern, Romantic notions of childhood as an age of innocence and wonder. Instead, they were more likely to look down on children as weak: this is probably why Jesus’ disciples rebuked those who brought their infants for Jesus to bless. What was the point of bringing little children to the master when they weren’t able to learn from Him? In other words, the disciples had a very utilitarian view of life: important things were things that could be put to use or improved somehow. Sentimental things like Jesus blessing babies? Not so much.

But before we look down on these ancient people as callous or indifferent, maybe we should take another look in the mirror. Don’t we also look to Jesus for solutions to our real-life, down-to-earth problems? Aren’t our prayers filled with urgent pleas for healing and help for our loved ones? In contrast, how much of our prayer time is devoted to just being with Jesus? How much do we long just to be in His presence?

Thank God that Jesus doesn’t share our priorities. For, after all, what real use are any of us to Jesus? What can any of us do for Him that He can’t do better for Himself? To Jesus, we’re all as helpless, as vulnerable, as useless as babies.

But the good news is that He loves us anyway. Indeed, He died for all those who would come to Him. And how do we come? Not from a position of strength, pretending that we have something to offer Him. Instead, we come as children, admitting our weakness, confessing our helplessness to save ourselves. We come to let Him bless us. We come simply to enjoy being in His presence. Let’s enjoy Him that way today.

Luke 18:15-17 (NASB)

15 And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.
16 But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
17 “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.”