A few weeks ago, I was apart of an incredible children's ministry.
Some wonderful people and I had the privilege to help thirteen three year olds learn about Jesus and the importance of their individual lives.
During this time, I met some incredible children. Thought there was one in particular that really stood out. The child always wanted to be in my presence and spend time playing with me.
I had observed that the child was probably being raised solely by their grandmother. The child talked about the grandmother as many children talk about their mothers and fathers.
During our time together, we played cars, sang songs, read Bible stories and enjoyed other activities with the other children. No matter where or what I was doing I had a little shadow following my every move.
I have lead students and children of all ages at conferences and camps. But when I am with young children for longer periods of time I think of Jesus' profound statements He made about the nature of The Kingdom of God and the character of children.
In Matthew 18:2-4 the text reads, "Having a child with Him, He said 'truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of God."
This should catch our attention! This is a completely shocking and confusing saying if you take the time to think about.
Children in the ancient cultures, in the time of Jesus, were seen as little nothing just occupying space. They could not do much physical labor and they were not of marrying age yet. Even today in our culture, children are dismissed as being naive and ignorant. Many adults see children as ones who do not have any power, credentials or authority and therefore should not be given any credit whatsoever.
Many people do not want to deal with children. They can act like babies constantly crying and or fighting in order to get their way. But Jesus is not like most people. He welcomes children and gives them power.
He not only gives power and credit to children but even says that we do not get access into Heaven if we do not come as little children.
So what characteristic of children is it that Jesus' profound words speak to?
Let's start with what children, including three year olds do not do well.
First, most three year olds do not share well and will fight others over toys or other prized possessions.
Secondly, many children cry without having a rhythm or real reason.
Thirdly, most are not potty trained and are forgetful of most things.
In short, the three year is a self-centered being--Are there any positives about these three year olds?
A resounding Yes!!!!
Despite the negative characteristics, three year olds have a special ability to show love.
Children have a way of loving complete strangers as they would their own parents. Children completely trust their entire lives over to most people. This is what I find so amazing and beautiful about children.
"Trust must be earned; it is not given"... said no child. This saying does not apply to most children. Children give their trust freely--this is a beautiful but simultaneously a dangers phenomenon. Trust is the foundational component to any good and healthy relationship. This is one of the reasons Jesus places so much emphasis on the innate nature of children and the reality and behavior of the Kingdom.
In the Kingdom of God, we live harmoniously with people from every tongue, tribe, language group and nation. There is no room for prejudice or fear. We live loving or eternal brothers and sisters who are different than ourselves.
More importantly, children trust their parents (Fathers and Mothers or Parental figure). Jesus tells stories depicting God as Father, as someone who is involved in every detail of His children's lives. Jesus points to the children in Matthew 18 and says you have to live like one of these in order to be with me.
It takes humility to trust someone else. Most children trust authentically without worrying about the consequences. The child, during our time together, gave me their complete trust without even knowing me.
This is a important part of the heart of God and the life in the Kingdom.
