"Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
Jesus wants us to come to Him just as little children, but what does that mean? Does it mean that we start acting immature and naïve? Absolutely not! However, it does mean that we should come to him humbly, respectfully, obediently, and trusting. Children place their entire lives and trust in those who are responsible for them as parents (for their care and upkeep). That is what the Lord expects of us. Children also go to their parents to teach them truths and explain to them the things they do not understand. Furthermore, children do not try to take charge of their lives (until they are teenagers), but instead they trust in their parents to guard over them from evil and protect them from those who would do them harm. The bottom line is that we must free ourselves of what we consider "adult independence" in this world to be completely dependent on the Lord as we serve His kingdom.
Moreover, we should realize that no matter how hard we try, as children we can never understand the spiritual truths of God by seeking to learn them on our own. For instance, have you ever sat back and listened to children try to explain or debate "adult issues?" Even with their best attempt it becomes almost humorous to hear children discuss things that they are convinced they understand, yet on hearing their explanation it is apparent they have no clue what they are talking about. Consequently, that is exactly how Jesus must feel when He listens to the silly explanations about spiritual truths concerning the kingdom of heaven by countless pastors and teachers in today's local church system. They ramble on, many without a clue about spiritual truths that, although they are convinced of their own understanding, they're as ignorant as a schoolyard child when it comes right down to it. We, just as little children, must come before the Lord for spiritual truths and understanding fully trusting in the anointing of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.
Therefore, we must remain in Christ with the faith and trust in Him we had from the beginning. "As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him." 1 John 2:24-29
Jesus wants us to come to Him just as little children, but what does that mean? Does it mean that we start acting immature and naïve? Absolutely not! However, it does mean that we should come to him humbly, respectfully, obediently, and trusting. Children place their entire lives and trust in those who are responsible for them as parents (for their care and upkeep). That is what the Lord expects of us. Children also go to their parents to teach them truths and explain to them the things they do not understand. Furthermore, children do not try to take charge of their lives (until they are teenagers), but instead they trust in their parents to guard over them from evil and protect them from those who would do them harm. The bottom line is that we must free ourselves of what we consider "adult independence" in this world to be completely dependent on the Lord as we serve His kingdom.
Moreover, we should realize that no matter how hard we try, as children we can never understand the spiritual truths of God by seeking to learn them on our own. For instance, have you ever sat back and listened to children try to explain or debate "adult issues?" Even with their best attempt it becomes almost humorous to hear children discuss things that they are convinced they understand, yet on hearing their explanation it is apparent they have no clue what they are talking about. Consequently, that is exactly how Jesus must feel when He listens to the silly explanations about spiritual truths concerning the kingdom of heaven by countless pastors and teachers in today's local church system. They ramble on, many without a clue about spiritual truths that, although they are convinced of their own understanding, they're as ignorant as a schoolyard child when it comes right down to it. We, just as little children, must come before the Lord for spiritual truths and understanding fully trusting in the anointing of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.
Therefore, we must remain in Christ with the faith and trust in Him we had from the beginning. "As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life. I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him." 1 John 2:24-29
