It’s an image that seems to hang on the wall of just about every Sunday School classroom, Jesus blessing the children. In all the charm and quaintness of the story though, I think we sometimes miss the power of Jesus’ words: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
What is it though, that makes the child particularly worthy of the kingdom of God? We could talk about their innocence, trust, joy and simplicity. But that’s not what I think Jesus is getting at, especially since such an approach could lead to a work righteousness of being childlike. There is something more fundamental to childlikeness to which Jesus refers which actually opposes the idea that there is any way to earn our way into the kingdom. Children are by their very nature, needy, helpless beings. Look at the children in today’s reading. They are being brought to Jesus; they don’t even come under their own power. We receive the kingdom like a child when we receive it like one who is helplessly in need of the kingdom.
Isn’t that really what our Lenten devotion is about, recognizing our neediness and utter dependence on God. It was just a few weeks ago that we were all reminded that we are but dust, and, left to our own devices have no hope but to return to dust. That’s certainly neediness! In the coming weeks as we relive the lengths to which our Lord went to redeem His helpless people of dust may we all gain a fresh sense of our childlike need for God and draw even closer to Him who desires to take us in His arms and bless us, His little children.
Jesus, Friend of little children, Be a friend to me; Take my hand, and ever keep me close to Thee. Never leave me, nor forsake me; Ever be my friend; For I need Thee, from life’s dawning To its end.
(“Jesus, Friend of little children” by Waltar Mathams)
(“Jesus, Friend of little children” by Waltar Mathams)
[originally written for Trinity School for Ministry Lenten Devotional]
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