childlike

Mark 10:13-16

"13 And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them."

In today's verses Jesus rebukes His disciples for blocking people from bringing children to Him for blessing. He declares that the kingdom of God belongs to “such as these” and requires childlike humility, dependence, and trust—rather than adult self-sufficiency or pride.

Key elements:

The Disciples’ Failure: They saw the children as an interruption to Jesus’ “important” ministry, reflecting a common cultural dismissal of the young and vulnerable.

Jesus’ Indignation: He became angry at the hindrance, showing that His mission welcomes even those society overlooks.

The Requirement of Reception: One must receive the kingdom like a child; acknowledging complete helplessness and total reliance on God’s grace. The kingdom is a gift, not a reward for merit.

The Act of Blessing: Jesus embraced the children, laid hands on them, and blessed them, demonstrating His personal care and affirming the worth of every individual.

Our assignment: 

Cultivate childlike trust in God.