"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:17
We could almost unanimously agree that children are the most blessed. Children possess the simplicity, the boldness, the obedience that many adults lacked. Even though children don't exactly own anything, yet they seemed to possess all things. I have young nephews and nieces whom I observed gave away their Chinese New Year collections without blinking. They don't seemed to be bothered by how much they have lost, neither do they understand the value of money. They only know the love and security of their parents. It is well-known that toddlers are faster learners in swimming than adults, they are natural swimmers; they learn to float the moment they enter the water. As for skiing, they are fearless, they take to the slopes without hesitation. They are impressionable, they believe whatever their parents say and obey them. These qualities of trust, generosity, boldness and obedience are key qualities for one to experience the blessings of God continuously.
In the passage below:
15 And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. 16 But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:15-17
The disciples prevented the children from coming to Jesus because they felt children were not mature and well mannered enough to deserve Jesus' attention or to connect with Him. People tend to believe that only the accomplished and the wise deserve to enter the Kingdom of God. Children on the other hand do not have the concept of social status nor do they know how to express respect and reverence towards elders. Ironically, Jesus loved the children and was not offended by their childish mannerism. In fact, He went as far as to say that only those who are child-like could enter the kingdom of God.
Jesus taught that unless we have qualities like that of a child, we will not experience God's kingdom. What are these qualities? Jesus was referring to humility; which is to understand one's weaknesses and the need to depend on God. Children's means of survival are dependence and trust in their parents. They understood their own helplessness and were entirely at ease with it. It is precisely this quality of humility that attracts God and causes them to inherit the blessings of God's kingdom. A humble person is one who recognizes that his strength is not sufficient for success. He also recognizes that his knowledge is lacking however knowledgeable he may be. Hence, he sees himself as weak and simple and that he constantly goes to God for strength and wisdom. God imparts power and wisdom to him without reservation because he is humble and obedient as a child. Jesus taught that the psyche of children reflects the relationship between the parents and the child in its purest form. By observing the child's responses and interactions with his parents, we could learn deep and profound lessons of how we as grown ups should relate to God.
The kingdom of God and its prosperity is descending upon the humble today. What we have accomplished with God's given measure of strength and wisdom for the day, we give thanks in faith and leaving the results to Him. Our part is to be obedient and faithful to the work that was entrusted to us. God's part is to cause our work to bear fruit by His love and power.
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