13 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. Mark 10:13-16
This passage is so appropriate today at camp. Tonight PJ Lewis (Middle School Camp Speaker) made a call to all the students to place their belief and trust in Jesus. Leading up to this night, camp chapels have consisted of all of the “I AM” statements. I am the way, I am the gate, I am the good shepherd, etc. PJ laid out the gospel and the character of Jesus so well. He not only covered what Jesus did on the cross for us, but he also covered Who Jesus is for us today. Coming to this passage in Mark today is awesome because I was blessed to spend time with one of the cabins in my Flock Group where 2 boys accepted Jesus into their hearts. I was able to share how they have a new redeemed spirit and the promise of the Helper (Holy Spirit) to come alongside them from this point forward.
The faith and simplicity of a child is how we all need to come to Jesus. It is exactly what Jesus was talking about in these verses — “whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child, shall not enter it”. Kids have this simple innate trust we must embrace when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior.
There were so many good questions by these Middle Schoolers. I was so impressed with the depth of their inquisitiveness.
APPLICATION:
I need to live everyday with the faith of a small child. Like the little kid sitting on an airplane in turbulence who is watching a movie on their device…totally trusting the pilots and the plane — I need to have trust in my Savior that He wants the best for me in EVERYTHING. That best may not be what I THINK is best for me, but I can walk forward in faith, knowing that the Lord is in sovereign control and as long as I am following Him, He will sustain me until the time set aside for me to meet Him in heaven or in the air.