The Faith of a Child

Mark 10: 13 – 16 (NIV): People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

It's a beautiful image: Jesus taking children into his arms and blessing them. It was a common custom for Rabbis to place their hands on children and bless them, so people brought their children to Jesus for this. The disciples probably thought the children were pestering him and not worthy of his attention, but he used this occasion to teach us something.

We must remember that childhood was not a celebrated phase of life until the twentieth century. Before the movies, books, parties and toys we see today, children were mostly viewed as weaker workers. The disciples rebuked the parents for bringing their children to Jesus because they figured religion was for adults; Jesus assured them that his love and grace was for everyone, including children. In fact, it is critical that we introduce children to Jesus at an early age when they are still pliable and open. Statistically, if a person is not saved by age 18, it is rare that he ever will be.

It shouldn't surprise us, then, that Jesus said it is children who show us how to have true faith and how to enter his kingdom. In other words, we must have a child-like faith to be saved. What is a child-like faith? Children have a simple faith. Once a child learns he can trust you, he will continue to do so until you teach him otherwise. Adults tend to want to know what God has done for us lately. Children have a humble faith. They realize they need help. We cannot be saved until we come to the place where we realize we need God's grace for salvation. We cannot save ourselves by our works or goodness – we need God's help.

Children have a complete faith. Once you've earned their trust, they will give it freely and completely. Years ago, when my son was about two, I walked past him as he stood on an elevated deck in our backyard. Suddenly, he ran and jumped off the deck at me, knowing that if I didn't catch him he would crash to the ground. Yes, I caught him just like he knew I would. God wants us to run and jump into his arms, placing our complete trust in him. It is not a blind faith, but a complete, child-like faith that he requires.