Bible Reading: Genesis 40; Job 6; Mark 10; Romans 10
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Jesus' words cannot be clearer, but what did he mean? People were bringing their children to Jesus so he could bless them and the disciples rebuked them. I suppose they thought that Jesus should not be bothered with all these little children.
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
He used this instance to teach a very important truth regarding the kingdom of God. The kingdom is made up of children. Jesus is teaching us some VERY important things about salvation and the kingdom of God.
- Of such is the kingdom of God. The kingdom of heaven is made up of children. When we are born again, we become children of God. We need milk to grow on and we are called to mature and to grow in Christ-likeness.
- We receive the kingdom of God. A little child cannot obtain for themselves. They rely heavily on parents and older siblings to help them. They receive the things they need. They are helped with their food, their bath, their toys, and every aspect of life. Many are trying to achieve the kingdom of God by their works. They want to do something good to commend themselves to God. This is not the attitude of a child. Children receive, they do not achieve.
- We receive the kingdom as a little child. Children believe what their parents tell them. They trust those who love them and take care of them. We must trust Jesus and believe his word. Our loving heavenly Father has given us his word.
Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
There are many who would make God their debtor. They are trying to earn the kingdom of God by their righteousness. Jesus says these will not enter therein. The kingdom goes to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly!
In Christ,
Rody
