After Jesus talked about divorce, they brought children to Him so that He might bless them, but the disciples stopped them. Jesus saw what was happening, and He became angry and 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 Jesus took the little children in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them (Mark 10:13-16). The question in this story is: Why would the disciples stop the children from coming to Jesus? The reason the disciples stopped the children from coming to Jesus was more than likely they didn't want to bother Jesus with children. Children are less significant than adults during the time of Jesus. Since we studied the life and ministries of Jesus in the book of Mark, Jesus always dealt with adults, including parents who had sick children. To the disciples' surprise, Jesus had a love and heart for children. Jesus even told the disciples that if they could not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it at all.
One of the reasons Jesus wants His disciples to know, including us today, is that children have humble, trusting hearts. Children are so innocent that they trust their parents even if they cannot understand everything. They would cling to their parents for support, for in their minds, their parents are all they have in this world. If they are afraid, hungry, hurt, and sick, they go to their parents for comfort, protection, and sustenance. In the same manner, God wants us to come with humble and trusting hearts before our God. Are we willing to trust our lives completely to God? As adults, we have many things in our minds that can replace our complete trust in God. We can trust in our own wisdom, strength, skills, resources, health, or jobs. However, everything we can trust aside from complete trust in God can be gone instantly.
Let us completely trust our God like little children. God knows our needs and will provide everything we need according to His timing. God may be working to build our character while we wait to provide for our needs. Do not lose hope, for God is our loving Heavenly Father. He takes care of us as His children.
Ask yourself these questions: Do I believe in God like a child? Why is it important to receive the kingdom of God like a child? Do I trust God completely?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I humbly come before you like a child. I acknowledge that you are my ultimate provider and savior of my life. Please help me to trust you completely in everything that I need. I pray for (mention your prayer requests). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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