“Let The Little Children Come To Me”

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16

As we become adults we become self-conscious. Children are not like that. They can truly express joy and wonder. Even though we are meant to grow and mature and put childish things behind us, we were never meant to lose the joy and wonder, especially in our relationship with God.

When Jesus live on the earth, He welcomed little children to Him and often referred to them in His teaching. On one occasion, He rebuked His disciples to attempting to keep parents from bringing their children to Him for a blessing, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Jesus was referring to the childlike characteristics that ready us to receive Christ – joy and wonder, but also simplicity, dependence, trust, and humility.

Childlike wonder and joy (and more) open our hearts to be more receptive to Him. He is waiting for us to run into His arms.

Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.

Our Daily Bread – March 6, 2018