I’ve read these verses a million times… Mark 10:13-16 – “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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. I tell you the truth, 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, PUT HIS HANDS ON THEM AND BLESSED THEM.”
In my quiet times lately I have read about Jesus’ frustration with the “religious experts” and the arrogance of the Jewish leaders. They often mocked those who were not educated in the law. And yet it was these common, simple people who recognized who Jesus really was, while the Pharisees completely missed it. So when I read the above verses again today, it struck me again that Jesus loves to reveal himself to those who come to him with the attitude of a child. This appeals to me personally because I love the simplicity of a child’s nature. But what attributes did Jesus see in children that we can learn from and emulate?
Kids trust. They are eager to learn. They love without hesitation. They ask honest questions. Children have a sense of awe and wonder. A faith that believes anything is possible. They are real. All attributes of a humble character. Exactly what Jesus was and is looking for. He was indignant when his own disciples tried to keep the children from him. He said that we need to be like them if we truly want to experience all that he is. And then he took the kids in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. I so want to have Jesus’ hands and blessing on my life. Please teach me to be a kid at heart…to come to you with no agenda other than to love and know you more. To stand on my tiptoes, my eyes wide open with wonder in anticipation of all you are and do. And enjoy the abundant life that can only be found in you…help me not to act my age 🙂
