Articles
Childlike Faith
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Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them (Mk. 10:13-16).
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Sometimes it takes the smallest encounter in life to teach us the most important lesson. The disciples of Jesus had one such encounter here.
As Jesus approached Jerusalem for the last time, He knew--and the disciples surely must have sensed--that a climax was drawing near. The tectonic pressures that had been building over the preceding months were reaching the breaking point, and this visit could trigger a final confrontation with the authorities. The very course of history could be altered by what was about to unfold.
So when some parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples saw them as a distraction. The Master had more important kingdom business to attend to; He couldn't be bothered with such a trivial matter. Like grumpy old men, they told the parents to get lost.
As usual, the disciples found out soon enough that they were the ones with distorted priorities. Jesus was "greatly displeased" with them (that's not a good position to be in, is it?). He brought the whole show to a halt to spend some quality time with these kids. The sight of Jesus taking up the little ones in His arms and blessing them--no doubt with the kind of smile that only toddlers can draw out of adults--must have perplexed the disciples.
Jesus used the occasion to teach His disciples--and us--an important lesson about the nature of faith. For all their innocent naiveté, little children are the perfect model of trust. They exemplify the kind of whole-hearted confidence that ought to motivate us when we surrender our lives to God's control. Yes, this world is a cruel place; the storms of life can be harsh and bitter; there is so much we need to do, and so little time to do it. But we repose in the arms of One whose love washes away all our cares.
On those days when the burdens of life seem unbearable, we need to remember the image of Jesus in the shadow of the cross, holding those little children in His arms. That's you and me, brother, and we're in good hands. Believe it!
--David
