When my son was a toddler, I played a game with him that made a big splash—literally. As I stood in the water, just a few feet from the edge of the pool, I would reach out my arms and encourage him to leap from the safe terra firma to me. I would count, “One . . two . . . THREE!” and with a giggle he would launch himself into my arms. To add some excitement, I would let his feet splash in the water just a bit.
Jesus reached His arms out to the “little children.” Though His disciples felt that the children were a “bother,” the Savior highly valued them and their faith (Luke 18:16-17). Unlike the pious and proud (v.9), they possessed a childlike faith marked by openness and trust. As Jesus lovingly embraced some kids, He said, “Anyone who doesn’t receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (v.17).
In contrast, Luke then records Jesus’ interaction with a rich religious leader. The man testified that he had kept God’s “commandments since I was young” (v.21). Like the apostle Paul prior to his conversion, this man had been diligent in keeping the letter of the law (Philippians 3:6). But Jesus zeroed in on the rich leader’s heart and told him to sell all his possessions and “follow Me” (Luke 18:22).
Does Christ ask every person to jettison all they own? No. This was simply a way of showing the man that he’d have to take the step of faith he desperately needed. The goal was for him to have a trusting, humble, childlike faith in the Savior.
Today, Jesus calls to you with arms outstretched. Humbly receive Him with childlike trust. Ready? One . . . two . . . three!
More:
• Luke 5:20
• John 1:12-13
• John 3:16
Next:
Why does Jesus celebrate childlike faith? What will it take for you to trust in Him this way?
R R Kelkar on May 27, 2010 at 8:09 am
Old age is often referred to as a second childhood, but it is in fact quite different from the first. The second childhood years could perhaps be characterised by a lack of innonence, an increased stubbornness, and an I-know-it-all attitude. But these precisely are the years when people really need to develop once again a childlike faith in God. Many old people live alone and life can be difficult. The easy way out is to lean upon God, pass on one’s problems to Him and let Him sort them out for you. God’s company can surely be enjoyed when one is alone!
Ese on May 27, 2010 at 8:45 am
Thank you for the message, not only it is great but it confirms for me a decision I need to make in which faith is all it is about.
R. R. Kellar, I agree with you that as we grow older that is when it is harder for us to be like children. We think that we have accumulated a lot of experience over the years and that we know what we are doing; it may be so, however when God sends us to do something contrary to our experience or wisdom, we resist!
I am reminded of Peter who had been fishing all night and did not catch a thing; when Jesus told him in broad day light to go catch some fish, Peter let his pride shine. He said in Luke 5: 5 “Lord we’ve been fishing all night and did not catch a thing, but because you said so, i will let down the nets.” To me it sounded like he was telling Jesus, “how about you stick to the preaching and healing that you do well, and let me do what I do best? But just to show you that I know what talking about I will let down the net…you are going to look a fool Jesus.” He did not believe Jesus could do it, and when Jesus did what he does best “showing off” (or we could call it a miracle :)) Peter in verse 8 said: ” go away from me for I am a sinful man”…Let’s not doubt the Lord; we might be masters with PHD’s and other titles at whatever we do, but God is still God. he cannot be contained within our limitations.
fd on May 27, 2010 at 9:16 am
It is always good to remind us about how christian life should be as we often forget or tend to neglect certain aspects along the race we are running. This explains why we need to fellowship more often and share thoughts on christian life as this paltfom is about. Thank you all for your input and pray for one another.
tom felten on May 27, 2010 at 7:46 am
Ted, good thoughts! Due to our sin nature, we often react out of pride or self-protection or self-interest. Jesus acted out of humility and love. I’m with you, today let’s live out our faith in a way that reveals a childlike dependence on God and a Christlike love for the people He places in our path.