The Heart of a Child is the Key to Heaven
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them” (Mark 10:13-16 ESV).
There is no greater gift from God than to bless your marriage with a child. There is nothing more perfect than a baby, and it is truly a gift from above as we are taught in (James 1:17). “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Children are a reward from God. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).
Jesus had a special affinity for children which is well documented in the gospels.
“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them” (Mark 10:13-16).
Jesus so loved His children that he considered it essential to become like a child to enter into eternal glory.
“And said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Luke 18:17).
Jesus likens greatness to childlikeness. Anyone coming to Him must come in absolute childlike dependency and humility. Jesus lovingly embraced His disciples as “my children” (John 13:33). The apostle John lovingly addresses us in scripture as “my children” (John 13:33). Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not recognize race or other differences, are free from malice, are teachable, and dependent on their parents. We all need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all.
Prayer: Dear Father: We seek nothing more than to draw near to you with the innocence of a child. We confess our sins of adulthood and seek justification from you. We know that you have gone before us to prepare a place for us in your Father’s House. We thank you for the gift of children and the opportunity to come to you as your children.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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