Matthew 19:13-15

Matthew 19:13-15 NIV

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.” 
When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

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We want our children to have the best, don't we? We put them in front of coaches, teachers and music instructors who have good reputations. We take them to reputable physicians and other health professionals. We involve them in notable community organizations to grow them and prepare them to become active and contributing members of society. We want the best for our children to give them the opportunity to reach their potential.

Parents brought their children to be blessed by Jesus. They wanted this prophet, this man of God, this Son of David, their messiah to lay hands on them. They wanted the same hands to touch their children that raised a dead girl to life, made the lame walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. They wanted their children to be touched by the hand of God who, through Jesus, was making Israel new.

The disciples shooed them away. They felt that Jesus was too busy and perhaps too important to be bothered with little children. They had already shown a tendency toward thinking of themselves too highly when they dreamt of positions of political power with Jesus on the throne. Jesus reminded them that if they want to be great in God's Kingdom, they must humble themselves like little children and serve others. The one who is last in this life will be first in eternity.

Jesus corrected His disciples beckoning the children to come to Him. He told His disciples that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these children.

What are the characteristics of children that made them the example for us all? I've often thought of this and have settled on three characteristics, like a typical preacher. (Three point sermon and a prayer!) Children are utterly dependant on their parents for care and guidance. They are inquisitive and filled with wonder as they discover the world. They trust willingly and without reservation until they feel unsafe.

Children depend on their parents for food, shelter, clothing, direction, education, and all manner of things. For infants and toddlers, parents are their whole world. What would it be like if we related to God in the same way? What if we admitted to ourselves that we are utterly dependant upon our heavenly Father?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11 NIV

Children experience the world with wondrous curiosity. They touch, taste, and try new things as they grow. Everything is a wonder for a little child. Adults lose that sense of wonder and we become blind to the beauty and goodness all around us. The world causes us pain and we learn over time to live guarded, protecting ourselves from further pain. We get focused on family, career, etc., and we don't notice the God moments happening everywhere. The newscasters spin scandal and tragedy and controversy in a 24 hour schedule. We have to force ourselves to look on the bright side. But children have no jaded perspectives, no prejudice and no preconceived notions. They are open to discovery and ready to be amazed! Oh how I wish I could instill that childlike wonder in my heart again! How I wish I could give that to my adult children who are already feeling the burdens of life's daily grind and challenges!

Children trust without reservation parents and other adults in their lives like grandparents, teachers, coaches and instructors. Until their safety is threatened, until they are misled, children trust. They are more open to friendship with other children regardless of race, gender, nationality or religion. But it's not long before the influence of their peer group begins to fill them with prejudices about others at their school. It's not long before they turn to obeying their need to belong to the crowd, instead of their parents. And the brokenness of this world eventually causes children pain and they learn to fear. Trust is broken.

I honestly don't know how I can change and become like a little child again. I don't know how my heart can find wonder, trust and the joy that follows. Perhaps I first need to recognize my utter need for God. Then perhaps I could trust God to restore me to a childlike faith, filled with joy and wonder at all His good works.