Greetings! The Word of God is so full and rich. The topics addressed by the Lord in His Word are limitless. I trust that as you desire to grow more and more into His image and to please Him in all that you do, that you will be able to glean wonderful insight and truth from my posts. Stay open to the revelation given by the Holy Spirit. In Him, Eric

As much as children depend on learning from the adults in their lives, adults can also learn from children. Have you ever watched a mixed group of children playing? They may be different ethnically, by race, color, or religion but all they see are other children to play with. It isn’t until the parents or other outside influences get involved that there is trouble. Kids might squabble for a bit, however, most times issues are resolved quickly and everything is all right again.

Our study today is based on a word from the Lord that helps us understand God’s expectation of the simple faith we need to enter into His Kingdom. I want us to look at what Jesus told His disciples in Mark 10:13-16 (ESV), “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” Verse 15 very clearly states that in order to receive the Kingdom (God’s Kingdom), we must receive it in the same manner as a little child. The Greek word translated ‘child’ is paidion which means, young child.

In Bible Hub’s Helps Word-Studies , paidion refers to a child in training (perhaps 7 years old or younger).

In describing traits or characteristics of a young child, Wordnik.com describes ‘childlike’ in this manner:

1. Like befitting a child, as in innocence, truthfulness, or candor.

2. Meek; submissive; dutiful

3. Innocent and trustful

I will share how a number of commentary authors perceived verse 16:

Ellicotts Commentary -”To receive the kingdom of God ‘as a little child’, is to receive it after a manner of a child, with simplicity and faith, humility, and love.”

Matthew Henry - “We must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected to Christ and His grace, as little children to their parents, nurses, and teachers.” In other words, we need to be influenced by Christ and His grace as little children are influenced by their parents, nurses, and teachers.

Barnes Notes on the Bible - “As a little child - with the temper and spirit of a child - teachable, mild, humble, and free from prejudice, and obstinacy.”

Children have very simple unworldly ways. A six year old could be more fascinated and entertained by the box it was packed in, than a fancy new gadget.

I saw a list of 15 ‘childlike qualities’ listed on danielleberneck.com. I am only going to share 6 of them :

Trust - “A child is born with the innate ability to trust those who care for them.” 1 Peter 5:7, “ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Tenacity - “Look at how many times they fall when learning to walk, but they keep at it.”

Curiosity - “They ask questions about everything - Why, How, Who, What, When, Where, and on and on.”

Wonder - “Children are amazed by everything.”

Believe they can be - “They believe they can be or do everything.”

Express truth and love sincerely and easily.

I will add a number seven to this list. Children are quick to forgive. God is very serious about that subject. Mark 11:25, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14,15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Colossians 3:13, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Jesus once again expresses the need for childlikeness in relation to receiving revealed spiritual things. Matthew 11:25 (NLT), “At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”

Children learn from their parents and tend to imitate them. There has been a story told of a man who was walking through the snow, when he turned to look back, he saw his young son following in his daddy’s footsteps. We are also encouraged to imitate God as His dear children. Ephesians 5:1 and 2 (NLT), “imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” A lot of people try to imitate successful business men or celebrities. If you are one of them, your focus needs to be on your Heavenly Father.

It has been said many times that if you need an answer to prayer, ask a child to pray. They pray simply believing that God hears them and will answer their prayer.

I want to close with a personal story. When my son, Stephen, was about 4 years old, he asked if we could go to Disney World. I told him if he wanted to go to Disney World that he would have to pray and ask God for the money to go.

We then heard his little boy voice asking God for the money to go to Disney World. Not long after that I received a call from my brother-in-law, an accountant, who had prepared our taxes. He informed us that we had a sizable amount coming to us because of some special windfall return from the IRS. Stephen overheard the conversation and immediately got excited and began yelling, “We can go to Disney World!”

Well, I must admit that Disney World isn’t what I had in mind for that tax return. His mother and I talked about it and decided that we could not destroy our little boy’s faith by denying him that trip which he had specifically asked the Lord to provide for. So, we left the choice up to him. He could choose to go to Disney World or we could use the money to buy he and his brother beds to sleep in, instead of their cribs. (Our finances were tight). He thought about it for a while then decided he would rather have the bed. Wise choice for a little boy. (A side note, about 2 years later we were able to take them on a trip to Disney.)

We, as adults, need to quit being influenced by our negative experiences and with childlike faith, simply believe God.

That is the way God wants us to relate to Himself.

In your relationship with God, your Father, trust, be tenacious, maintain your sense of curiosity and wonder, believe, express truth, love sincerely and easily, and always be ready to forgive.

Matthew 17:20b (ESV), “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

Scriptures were taken from the New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

ESV English Standard Version

NLT New Living Translation