Children and Faith

Sunday's Text

Luke 7:1-17

Sermon Notes For Discussion

Sunday Recap of the week... by Elaine Pierce

Thoughts on Luke 16 thru 19:27 

Good morning, and welcome to the Lord's Day.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.  We continue to read through the book of Luke. This week we looked at chapters 16, 17, 18, and the first 27 verses of chapter 19. By my count, Jesus told 5 parables...He healed 10 lepers and a blind man...He predicted his death (again)…He invited Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, to have dinner with him...and he talked to his disciples about how to use the faith they already had.

There is a lot to unpack here, and I hope you have been reading the scripture daily, along with the Worship devotions, and reflecting on the different kinds of people that Jesus interacts with, from the religious leaders to the outcasts, the poor and the downtrodden. He has words of warning for the elite and comfortable, and he has words of hope for those who have no hope. And, yes, he interacts with children. Today, let's focus on these two verses in Chapter 18:

People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them.  When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, "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.

Our youngest grandchild, Lillian, is 9 weeks old.  This week and next week, I am helping with her care so her parents can work remotely (Life in the Pandemic). Lillian and I are having such fun getting to know one another.  She is alert and smiling most of the time, and it's pure pleasure watching her as she explores the world. When she's had her diaper changed, and her belly is full, she's a happy, content baby with no cares and worries. She trusts that the one holding her is not going to let her down.  

Is that a little bit like how Jesus wants us to receive the kingdom of God? Lillian is helpless without her mother and father - she could not survive on her own. (One scholar calls this helpless dependence). Babies cannot do much of anything on their own. They must rely on their parents. Just as we, dear Christian friends, must rely on Jesus. We MUST enter the kingdom of God completely helpless. There is no "entrance fee." We cannot earn our way in. We must accept our complete dependence on Jesus - just like children depend on adults. 

There is much to ponder in these three - plus chapters, and these verses are a starting point. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the eyes of a child - to completely, totally, trust Him to lead you. You may be challenged or encouraged by other verses, other stories, other parables. God will have a word for you - trust him as your good father who cares for you like no other.