Little Children –or- Child-like II
“Entering the kingdom” as “little children” is not the same thing as being “child-like”. Let’s examine the context of Jesus’ statement. He is talking to adults, not children. He is talking to Jews who are, at least minimally and perhaps overwhelmingly indoctrinated in Judaism. These adults know the laws, rules and doctrines of their religion. Basically, Jesus is telling them to “drop” their religion and preconceived notions of Who He is and what He is all about. Jesus is neither a law, rule nor doctrine. He is a Person, an eternal Person. He is the Person of the Universe. He does not give out life. He is Life. He gives Himself and takes up permanent residence in one’s spirit.
Jesus is saying to these indoctrinated adults that they must approach Him as the children do. How is that? Children don’t see Jesus as a doctrine. To them He is a loving, caring and warm human being. That is how Jesus suggests we all, initially, come to Him. Come to Him for His Person. Come to Him because He loves you. Come to Him because He is warm, caring and non-judgmental. That is how one enters the kingdom – as a “little child”. But, “little child” is not “child-like”. “Child-like” implies without knowledge or understanding. It implies simplicity and perhaps ignorance. The little children that Jesus referred to are neither unknowledgeable, simple nor ignorant. Jesus’ little children see Him for exactly Who He is. They enter the Kingdom knowing Him.
More on that in Part III
A Mark Goodson - Bill Todman Production