Day 16 - Childlike Behavior | Our King and the Kingdom of God 21-Day Devotional
Scripture Reading: Mark 10:13-15 (NLT), 13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
There were several instances in the Bible where Jesus became angry. When that occurred there were foundational principles or practices that had been overlooked, misunderstood, or violated. In this Scripture text, Jesus was displeased because His disciples attempted to keep the children away who were brought to Him to be blessed. Could it be that the disciples did not recognize the value of the children’s presence? Jesus valued children as an integral part of the Kingdom of God. They possessed attributes essential to the Kingdom of God.
When I was a child, I would often play outside in front of my house and notice someone approaching in the distance. I could not immediately identify the person, but as they came closer, I began to recognize their walk or their stride. When I knew it was my mother arriving home from work, I would run to meet her and give her a big hug! I would grab her arm and pull her purse off her shoulder. She would warn me that it was heavy, but I did not care. I was so happy to be with her and excited to see what goodies she had for me. Most of the time there would be treat, a doll, or toy. I was always grateful because she made me feel loved.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
There were several instances in the Bible where Jesus became angry. When that occurred there were foundational principles or practices that had been overlooked, misunderstood, or violated. In this Scripture text, Jesus was displeased because His disciples attempted to keep the children away who were brought to Him to be blessed. Could it be that the disciples did not recognize the value of the children’s presence? Jesus valued children as an integral part of the Kingdom of God. They possessed attributes essential to the Kingdom of God.
When I was a child, I would often play outside in front of my house and notice someone approaching in the distance. I could not immediately identify the person, but as they came closer, I began to recognize their walk or their stride. When I knew it was my mother arriving home from work, I would run to meet her and give her a big hug! I would grab her arm and pull her purse off her shoulder. She would warn me that it was heavy, but I did not care. I was so happy to be with her and excited to see what goodies she had for me. Most of the time there would be treat, a doll, or toy. I was always grateful because she made me feel loved.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6)
Hunger and thirst for righteousness denotes an urgent pursuit and yearning for God’s rule in our lives. Matthew 6:33 reads, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Can you image the children from our Scripture text (Mark 10:13-15) hurriedly running to meet Jesus to receive an impartation or blessing? It was likely the same way I ran to meet my mother with great expectation of the gifts she had for me. Children do not think about earning, deserving, or paying for blessings. They just hope and receive with joy. This is also how we receive the Kingdom of God. We cannot earn it. We do not deserve it, but we can receive the gift.
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4).
Can you see the children running towards Jesus skipping and giggling? They recognized and trusted Him. They saw Him work miracles. They recognized His voice from His teaching. I could recognize my mother from a distance because I was familiar with her stance, presence, and movements. Children recognize and respond to love.
In the same way, we who are the children in the Kingdom of God should be familiar with and respond to His presence. When we spend time in prayer, worship, and in the Word we become more familiar with His ways. Our response should be gratefulness, obedience, love, and worship.
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4).
Can you see the children running towards Jesus skipping and giggling? They recognized and trusted Him. They saw Him work miracles. They recognized His voice from His teaching. I could recognize my mother from a distance because I was familiar with her stance, presence, and movements. Children recognize and respond to love.
In the same way, we who are the children in the Kingdom of God should be familiar with and respond to His presence. When we spend time in prayer, worship, and in the Word we become more familiar with His ways. Our response should be gratefulness, obedience, love, and worship.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16 (NIV)
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there things in your life that might make Jesus angry? How will you correct them?
Jesus loved the children.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are there things in your life that might make Jesus angry? How will you correct them?
Jesus loved the children.
2. What are some childlike qualities you possess that you think Jesus would love?
My Action Items:
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