“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:16-17
Today I had an encounter with Jesus that got me rethinking the verses in Luke 18 sandwiched between Jesus’ teaching on prayer and the story of the rich young ruler. I’ve often glossed over this section of Scripture because it felt awkward to me in the context. It has long been just a cute story about Jesus loving on some children. Or is there more to it than that?
As I was praying this morning, I felt sorrowful in the place that I am. Truthfully, this is a feeling that has been dogging me for several weeks. I’ve tried to understand why because I love the people in my life; I love where I live; I love my church and the ministries in which I serve. And I especially love that God is in it all!
So I took those feelings to Jesus this morning. As always He greeted me with grace and warmth. He invited me to sit with Him. And as I sat I became aware that Jesus was suddenly larger than life. He gathered me into His lap. As I snuggled in, feeling the strength of His arms, the warmth and strength of His chest, I became very aware that I was a child in His arms.
In my mind, I stepped back to observe. I still felt the warmth of Jesus’ embrace, still felt buoyed by His strength, but I found myself watching as well. And there cuddled in the arms of Jesus was Child Me. I found myself thinking about other interactions I’ve had with Jesus. I was aware that most often I interact with Him as a child. Knowing my heart and my thoughts, Jesus brought a verse to mind, “anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17b) I knew I was being invited to spend some time with Jesus in Luke 18.
I think the key to understanding this passage might be found in the phrase God brought to my mind, “anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17b) I thought about the word “received.” I typically think of this word in a passive form. I may reach out my hand, but it is the action of someone else thrusting something at me that causes me to be able to accept or receive. While there is still implication that something is given, the Greek word Luke uses here is not passive! (Note: it is also the same word Mark uses in Mark 10:15) According to Strong’s Lexicon dechomai is translated “to take hold of, to take with the hand.” The picture I have is of Christmas with my husband’s family, especially when my children were small (though to be honest, it hasn’t changed that much with the passing of years). First overflowing stockings are distributed to everyone. These are grabbed firmly with willing hands. Squeals of joy often follow with generous amounts of “Thank you! Thank you!” being uttered. Once the gifts in the stockings have been unwrapped, piles of gifts are distributed. These, quite often, are the “requested” gifts, those gifts that have been most hoped for. Here the intensity of the reception increases followed by more vigorous squeals and more “Thank you’s.” Because they know they are loved, there is no hesitancy in the way my children receive those gifts.
Now with that picture in mind, imagine the phrase “receive the Kingdom of God like a child.” At a very young age my children learned that they could grab hold of those gifts. Our heavenly Papa wants us to receive His kingdom with that much earnest, with squeals of joy, not shrinking back with doubt and hesitancy. What child receives a new toy as though it might break?
I used to think that receiving God’s kingdom like a child meant I had to believe simply, unquestioningly, like a child. I don't think that perception is quite accurate. I see now that what God desires is a heart that receives Him with earnestness, clinging to His chest, clamoring for His love and grabbing deliberately for everything He has for us.
