Reflecting on Luke 18:15-17“Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17).
The kingdom of God is the goodness of this world entrusted to humans.
Adam and Eve were entrusted this kingdom like newborn children.
They did not need to work for it or earn it.
They received it humbly and passively, as a free gift to be enjoyed.
Is this what Jesus means about receiving the kingdom like little children?
The disciples were rebuking the parents who brought their children.
We don’t know why, but somehow they saw it as inappropriate or wrong.
Yet Jesus blesses these infants, immersing them in the Father’s grace.
We all are welcome to Jesus just as we are, humbly and passively.
Yet for some reason (like the Pharisees), we think some deserve it more.
These babies and their trusting parents are graciously blessed.
I understand the meaning of baptism to convey the same message.
Babies cannot choose it, but neither do adults choose it – we all receive it.
We are all in God’s kingdom by grace alone; we’re all learning to experience it.
Please do not rebuke me for sharing this kingdom blessing with babies too.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are all baptized (blessed) by the generous grace of God, both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). Help me to be as generous as You in immersing others like little children into this undeserved kingdom goodness.