This chapter contains several more accounts of Jesus including a teaching on divorce, a commentary on receiving the Kingdom of God like children, teaching a rich young man about priorities, another foretelling of the death and resurrection, a request by James and John to sit at Jesus’ side in eternity, and the healing of a blind man.
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” (v13-16)
Jesus shows anger / frustration with the disciples because they try to prevent children from coming to see Him. It’s not the first time the disciples have not understood that Jesus came for all people, for all time, no limitations. In fact, Jesus turns this prejudice on its head and tells the disciples (and all who are listening / reading) that they need to receive God’s kingdom like a child would, so they may enter it.
What might this mean for us? Well, children don’t really filter or disbelieve what they’re told. Children will often take someone at their word for face value, believing exactly what they’re told. Adults however, due to sin and corruption in this world, tend to become far more skeptical and jaded about what they are told, and struggle to take things at face value, often regardless of the source. Jesus wants us to take God at His word like a child would, accepting what He says without question or hesitation.
Though exercising some discernment when receiving words from others may be prudent, I encourage us to quickly accept any word of the Lord that is clearly from Him. Scripture, and the Lord’s promptings, when properly interpreted by the Holy Spirit (not twisted by Satan), should be accepted without skepticism or disbelief, even if we don’t fully comprehend the meaning. God wants us to dig deeper into His words, slowly learning their meaning, drawing nearer to Him in the process. Let’s try not to dismiss God’s leading simply because we don’t fully understand His plan.
Father God, our Glorious and Wise Lord, You do not withhold Your teachings from us. You sent Jesus to make this clear, that Your word is truth, even when we don’t fully understand it. May we draw near to You, and seek to understand, simply because You are worthy of our trust. May we not dismiss or disbelieve You, even if we don’t fully understand. May we take You at Your word, each and every day, just like a child would blindly believe. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training