I'm pouring over notes form bible study classes during Lent last spring. Each class studied a different gospel account. One class studied 1st Corinthians. As they read each passage they asked themselves, "What does this passage tell us about being a disciple of Jesus?" The study leaders were kind enough to catalog their thoughts.
One of the responses this morning really grabbed me. In response to the verse above the class studying the gospel of Mark, the group offered,
"Disciples know that to enter the kingdom of God, we must be trustful like little children."
I think perhaps this is one of the most under utilized verses in Jesus' teachings. I am glad to be reminded. After studying the bible for many years, I have gravitated toward interest in the canonical themes that help me interpret the scriptures. I'm a student of historical backgrounds to the scripture which often helps me get a sense of what it was like to hear the words in the original context. I also respect literary analysis, to grasp the themes and objectives of the authors of the scriptures. I understand literary techniques and devices that are intended to make an emotional impact on the hearers of their words. The emotional impact of Jesus and the little children can't be missed.
Mark is the oldest of the gospel accounts. His account has more miracle stories than all the others. Mark shares the following story of Jesus and little children.
By this point in the narrative, the disciples know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. They know He is the promised king, the divinely appointed sovereign for Israel. That means these close disciples of Jesus' are in line for positions of power when Jesus takes the throne. The material in this section of Mark deals with the temptation to no longer serve the people, but to rather to protect the interests of the King and His close companions.
Following the transfiguration of Jesus, the disciples argue about who is the greatest in Jesus' kingdom. Jesus told them, whoever wants to be first must be last and servant to all. (Mk 9:35) On another occasion the disciples wish to bar a person from doing ministry in Jesus' name, because "he was not one of us." (Mk 9:38) Jesus warns them not to be the cause of sin to one of these little ones, which likely refers to persons relatively new in following Jesus.
We must care for new believers with extra special attentiveness, like we would a toddler. They need guidance and lots of encouragement. They need to be surrounded by love, acceptance and appreciation.
On another occasion Jesus is approached by a rich young man who wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and follow him. The rich man could not do it. Jesus said a camel can pass through the eye of a needle easier than a rich man can enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples are astounded. Wealth meant God's favor in their understanding. The disciples were often ordinary and poor. Most people were. There was no middle class. If a rich man who obviously has the favor of God can't enter the kingdom, then who can be saved? Jesus tells them it's impossible for humans, but with God all things are possible. (Mk 10:13-27)
James and John ask to set on the right and left of Jesus, the two most favored seats in relation to the host or the king. Again Jesus has to remind His disciples that jostling for positions of power and influence is not the way of His kingdom. Instead disciples must know that those who wish to be great in His kingdom, must be a servant, a slave to all.
They still don't get it and try to keep a blind man from bothering Jesus when they enter Jericho. (SIGH!)
It's in this context that we hear the story of Jesus and the little children. Jesus doesn't mean we are to become infants physically speaking. He means the attitudes of our hearts must return to childlike innocence.
Think of what a child is like, especially in relationship to their parents. They are utterly dependent upon them. They are naturally trusting. They carry a sense of wonder. Everything is new to them. They aren't bored, yet. They enjoy life naturally. They cry a lot, yes, but that's their way of expressing need and dissatisfaction. Doesn't the scriptures model the people of God crying out to the Lord in their need?
In the same way, we need to drop the adult way of muscling our way to the top of whatever ladder we are climbing, and realize our relationship with our Father in heaven has already topped us above any and all ladders. We are chosen and adopted children of God! We are inheriting a kingdom beyond imagining. The Spirit of Christ fills us with hope in our future with our God. The grace and glory given to us fulfills the deepest needs of the humans soul.
One comment from our Lenten studies said this of disciples:
"Disciples need a strong foundation, perseverance, and growth. Disciples not only listen to the word of God, they understand, follow, apply the principles, and absorb the meaning behind Jesus' parables."
Imagine yourself a child of God kneeling at your Heavenly Parent's feet and listening to His/Her instruction. The children came to Jesus that He might touch them and by touching them, they might be blessed. They came to Him trusting. They came to Him utterly dependent upon His grace. They came to Him with a sense of wonder.
Be childlike in your relationship with God.
Restore a sense of wonder in God's goodness and glory. Read Psalm 8.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them? (Psalms 8:3-4)
Acknowledge the truth. You are utterly dependent upon God.
When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. (Psalms 104:29-30)
And trust God to provide, just as a child must trust their parents to care for their needs.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Disciples are the adopted and chosen children of God.
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God... (John 1:12)
May your hearts be made childlike again through the Spirit of Him who is making all things new.
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