Bible reading: Exodus 13-15; Matthew 19:1-15
Memory verse: “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
There was a time the disciples of Jesus asked who the greatest in the kingdom is. His reply, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4 (KJV). Children are the models in which Christ used for anyone who would make it into the kingdom. But why?
Jesus encountered a lot of difficulties spreading the good news of the kingdom. In fact, He started with “Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 3:2 (AMP). He met a stiff resistance among many of the people because their minds and way of thinking are already conditioned to think and behave a certain way due to past experiences.
Children, however, are open to learning and easy to engage in reasoning. If all adults were behaving like children most of them would have embraced Jesus and His kingdom immediately considering where they were at that time. Rather, their experiences kicked in, and the thought of taking in something new and untested was too much to bear.
Moreso, it is difficult for adults to unlearn the things they have learnt. The kingdom of God will benefit those who especially starts unlearning what they they have learnt before taking in or absolving the pure words of the kingdom. But for a child, no need of unlearning as they are yet to be filled with all the junks that affect the adults negatively.
God’s Kindom can only be accessed by those with the attitude of little children. It is not difficult to perceive what was going on in the mind of Jesus on matters of children. They are easily accessible with new information. Whereas adults hang on to past experiences. Despite performing miracles and teaching words never before heard, the people were more worried about the person of Jesus rather than concentrating on and embracing His message. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him that he even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him? Mark 6:2-3. They took offence!
Like Jesus, until we become like little children we cannot make it into the kingdom of God. Jesus, who is from that kingdom was led by the Father and His Spirit all through His stay on earth. Be open to learning and allow God’s Spirt lead you too into God’s Kingdom.
Prayer: Father, open my heart to receive Jesus and Your Spirit with the attitude of a little child whenever he sees something new in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu