Christian Art | Jesus And A Child | Image by Dall-E
Matthew 18: 1-5 | King James Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version
‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ Matthew 18:3 (KJV)
We are asked to become as a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why Should We Become Like Children To Enter Heaven?
- Trust and Dependence: Children naturally trust their parents and depend on them for their needs. They have a simple faith and believe that their parents will take care of them. Similarly, in our relationship with God, we need to have childlike trust and dependence, fully relying on Him for our spiritual needs.
- Humility: Children are humble and have a sense of innocence. They don’t carry the burden of pride, ego, or self-righteousness. In the same way, we need to approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His guidance and forgiveness. We must be willing to admit our weaknesses and shortcomings, seeking His mercy and grace.
- Curiosity and Wonder: Children have a natural curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world around them. They ask questions and eagerly seek to understand. As followers of Christ, we should maintain a childlike curiosity and a desire to explore and deepen our understanding of God and His kingdom.
- Joy and Authenticity: Children often exhibit pure joy and authenticity in their expressions and interactions. They have a natural ability to embrace the present moment and find joy in simple things. Similarly, as we enter the Kingdom of heaven, we are invited to experience the joy of God’s love and live authentically, without pretence or masks.
- Teachability: Children are open to learning and have a teachable spirit. They are receptive to instruction and guidance. Likewise, we must approach God’s Word with a teachable heart, willing to learn, grow, and be transformed by His truth.
So Should We Pray
Dear Jesus,
I’m here again, wanting to make my faith stronger. Sometimes I have questions and things that make me unsure. But I want to feel close to you like before.
Please help me not be unsure anymore. Take away the things that confuse me. Give me bravery to ask the questions that make my faith wobble and help me find answers that make me believe in you again.
Please give me friends who love you, too. Friends who can be there for me, support me, and make me feel better. Let’s all love each other and help each other know you more.
When I read the Bible, help me understand it easily. Show me new things that will make me excited about you again. Help me find books and stories that teach me more about you and how much you love me.
When I talk to you and sit quietly, help me feel that you’re right there with me. Calm my mind and heart so I can feel peaceful. Speak to me in a gentle voice that makes me feel safe and reminds me that you always love me.
I’m sorry for thinking I’m not good enough. Help me remember that you are strong and can help me with anything. I trust you, and I know you’ll always be there for me.
As I try my best to be like you, help me be kind and helpful to others. Let me be a light and bring happiness to people around me. I want to show them how you’ve changed me.
I give you all my doubts and worries. Please make my faith stronger, give me hope again, and help me trust you more. Thank you for being with me on this journey.
Amen.
Why Might We Resist Becoming Like A Child?
- Pride: Pride can prevent us from embracing childlike qualities. We may struggle with the idea of surrendering our perceived wisdom, knowledge, and self-sufficiency. Our pride can blind us to the simplicity and humility required to approach God with childlike faith.
- Independence: As adults, we often value independence and self-reliance. We may resist becoming like a child because it can be perceived as regressing or giving up our autonomy. The idea of relying on someone else, especially God, can be challenging for those who prioritize self-sufficiency.
- Scepticism: With age and experience, scepticism can develop. We may become more analytical and sceptical of things that cannot be easily explained or understood. This scepticism can hinder our ability to approach matters of faith with childlike trust and openness.
- Worldly Influences: The world around us can shape our mindset and priorities. The pursuit of success, wealth, and societal expectations may overshadow the simplicity and innocence of childlike faith. The pressures and distractions of the world can make it difficult for us to embrace childlike qualities.
- Hurt and Disappointments: Life experiences, disappointments, and pain can harden our hearts and make us wary of vulnerability. We may resist becoming like a child because we fear being hurt or let down again. Past wounds can make it challenging to trust and open ourselves to God fully.
Today’s Bible reading celebrates two complementary affirmations of Jesus’ true identity, of Jesus’ divinity. The first is of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way toward Jesus, teaching people an initial baptism of repentance, with water, such that they might be initially prepared to receive the Lord. The second is of God the Father and the Holy Spirit, the divine affirmation, that of heaven, the Father’s voice visiting Earth and the Spirit descending, as heaven bows to Earth, the Father to acknowledge His beloved Son as His Own [ … ]
There is a sacramental quality to Jesus’ healing of the deaf man, as he takes him to one side, touches him, lifts his eyes to heaven, and then speaks the healing words of command. In the act of healing, as Jesus lays on his hands, he seems to act as intermediary between the deaf man and heaven, and so it through this that the man is healed [ … ]
Through the Sermon in the Temple, Jesus’ attack on the Pharisees and the scribes who side with them is clear, hard and definitive. Their way of life is corrupt and vicious. They are blind guides and hypocrites. They will be condemned – ‘Woe to you’ – because they kill the true message of God through their failure of love, mercy, justice, faith. They are serpents who drag the people they preach to down with them [ … ]
