August 22, 2016. Devotions

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.” (Mar 10:13-15 NKJ)

Earlier in Mark, the Pharisees came to Jesus to ask a question regarding divorce.  They always , it would seem, came in a pack and wanted to nitpick the smallest detail.  Then in Matthew, Mark, and Luke we have the story of the little children.  The disciples at first tried to keep them away from Jesus figuring that they were insignificant.  Jesus rebuked them and commanded that he let them come.

The statement that follows refers to the Kingdom of God.  We’re told that only those that receive the kingdom as a small child will enter in.  Does this mean that we have to be childish or immature? No! To receive the kingdom requires trust, faith, and humility.  Otherwise, we will question the existence of the kingdom of God and miss out completely.  The Pharisees questioning and doubting would cause the kingdom to vanish before their eyes.  Their faithlessness would rob them of the ability to see beyond this dimension.