As Infants

“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” - Luke 18:15-17

Every night, when my wife and I put our kids down for bed, we sing to them, “Jesus Loves Me.” The verse “little ones to him belong, they are weak, but he is strong” drives home that this song is about Jesus’ love for children. Maybe you know “Jesus Loves the Little Children” is another song directed at Jesus’ love for children. In Luke 18:15-17, Jesus' love for children is put on display. Parents were taking their kids to him so that he might heal them. The disciples were disgusted at this; they rebuked those who brought Jesus their children. However, Jesus felt differently and admonished his disciples, telling them to let the children come to him. He goes on to say unless one comes to the Kingdom of God as a child, they won’t be able to enter. I used to think this meant unless one had the faith of a child, taking everything God says wholeheartedly with unquestionable belief, they would not inherit the Kingdom of God.
 
A few weeks ago, I read through Luke 18:15-17 and something that made me think of another aspect of coming to God’s Kingdom stood out to me. Luke says that “even infants” were being brought to him. The images we usually see are of toddlers or grade school children coming to Jesus or sitting on his knee. I don’t think I had ever pictured a mother or father bringing an infant wrapped in a swaddle to him, but that is what the text says was happening. Infants, except for the unborn, are the most vulnerable and helpless of us all. I think of my three-year-old, she can do so much for herself. She can communicate her needs, walk and get things from the kitchen, climb in my truck, and buckle herself into her seat. Even my 17-month-old can walk around, hold his drink, and feed himself. An infant, a newborn, is unable to walk, talk, or nourish himself. They are incapable of doing anything for themselves; they are utterly dependent on someone else in every aspect of their lives. That is how we are to receive the kingdom. Completely dependent on Jesus, unable to do anything that warrants our entry to his kingdom. We receive the kingdom through Jesus' life, lived in perfect obedience according to the Law that is credited to us. We receive it through Jesus' blood that made the payment for our sins. Through his resurrection, we receive our pardon and right standing with God to enter his Kingdom. We are to receive the Kingdom as infants.