SumotoChapel.jp

(Mark 10:13 NIV)  People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  (Mark 10:14 NIV)  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He 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.  (Mark 10:15 NIV)  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  (Mark 10:16 NIV)  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

People were bringing their children to Jesus so Jesus could touch their children.  The disciples rebuked the people.  Perhaps the disciples thought that Jesus did not have time for the little children.  They soon learned the little children are very important to Jesus.  Jesus went on to say that unless we receive the Kingdom of God like a little child we will not enter it.   Jesus made similar statements in Luke 18:15-17 and Matthew 19:13-15.  Jesus also emphasized the point again in the 18^th chapter of Matthew.   (Mat 18:1 NIV)  At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"  (Mat 18:2 NIV)  He called a little child and had him stand among them.  (Mat 18:3 NIV)  And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  

Why do we need to become like little children to enter the Kingdom of God?  Perhaps the best way to answer this question is to first consider the characteristics of little children.  Jesus did not say what age the little children were, but I assume they were still very young.  I would assume the children would be up to the age of our preschool children.  The characteristics of little children that I have chosen for this message are as follows: 

Children are usually very honest.  Children will say things at our preschool that happened at home.    Some of the things we hear are very surprising.  However, it is easy to know that the children tell things exactly as they see them!  Children tell the truth and do not make an effort to cover up or hide the facts.   For this reason it is very easy to love children. 

Children are very humble.  They are willing to learn quickly.  They ask many questions.  In contrast adults are usually bound by pride.  They find it hard to humble themselves and become like little children. 

Children are very trusting.  They have complete confidence in their parents to care for and protect them.   Our older son used to stand on a fence that was much taller than him.   He loved to jump of the fence because he was sure we would catch him.   When we said “jump,” he jumped!  He did not have any fear that we would be harmed.  Also, when love and kindness are shown to children they respond very freely and without fear. It is easy to win their hearts.   Unfortunately, children are sometimes taken advantage of because they are very trusting.   Jesus warned against wrong behavior towards children.  Mark 9:42 NIV  "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 

Jesus was no respecter of persons.  Children are also no respecter of persons.  They are usually not prejudiced against other children.  Last March I went fishing with my younger son in Texas.   From our conversation our guide learned I was a pastor.   Towards the end of the fishing trip the guide made an interesting comment.  He said, “There wouldn`t be a “certain” group of people in Heaven, would there?”   He was obviously prejudiced against that group of people.   The guide was not born with that prejudice.  It was a learned behavior.   Children accept children as they are without regards to nationality, color, etc. 

Children express their feelings freely.  They do not try to appear what they are not or to hide their true character.  In other words, they do not try to hide behind a façade.   Children are very open and honest.    In contrast adults often hide behind a “mask” and hide their true character.      

 

Children are very willing to learn.  They are very teachable.   Also, they are quick to imitate others.   They sometimes examine things very closely and ask questions.  They are not afraid to make mistakes.  In contrast when we become adults we begin to think we know it all.

When one child is hit by another he often hits back.  However, they forget and don`t hold unforgiveness in their hearts very long.   We, as adults, should also be quick to forgive as children are. 

Now, it will be good to again consider the words Jesus said about entering the Kingdom of Heaven.    (Mark 10:15 NIV)  I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."  (Mat 18:3 NIV)  And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.    Many people have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   In fact, some have heard the Gospel many times, but they have not entered into the Kingdom of Heaven.  In other words, they have not become Christians.   Why?   They have not become like little children.   To believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and enter the Kingdom of Heaven we must humble ourselves like little children.  Humility is the opposite of pride.  Pride keeps many from entering the Kingdom of Heaven.  Taking on all the characteristics of a little child will open one`s heart to receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ and entering into the Kingdom of Heaven.