In the midst of Jesus’ ministry on earth, when He was at the peak of His popularity and crowds were drawn to Him, an interesting event occurred:
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:13-14 (NIV)
His disciples thought Jesus had no time for children, but Jesus had a different perspective. No matter how busy He was, he prioritized the little children!
Why? It’s because He saw something in them that was exemplary. At an earlier interaction with His disciples, He had shared His heart on this matter:
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:1-4
Jesus was saying that the humility of a little child is the quality He most valued. A proud person can’t admit that they need help. But all who realize they are not sufficient in and of themselves, and come to Jesus in this childlike humility, are given free access to Him.
An illusionist entertainer once said he preferred to do magic shows at 6 year old birthday parties, because at that age they are old enough to comprehend the tricks, but still innocent enough to delight in them!
The challenge for us “adults” is this: We are old enough to comprehend, but are we innocent enough to believe and accept Jesus and His truth with humility and a childlike faith?
Click here for more information on our Awana Kids’ Ministry Kick-off on Wednesday, Sept 11