The Gifted Kingdom
‘Now they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; 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.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.’ Mark 10:13-16
The loving rule of Jesus is infinitely valuable. Jesus compares it to a treasure in a field…a pearl of great price…something that one would happily sacrifice everything she or he possesses in order to acquire. And, once that transaction has been made, that same person would realize that it is as if she or he had ‘cheated God,’ because what has been surrendered could never compare to what has been acquired, even if it were done a thousand times over. It is truly priceless.
Perhaps it should seem obvious, then, that earning entrance into the Kingdom through piety, performance, wealth, power or prestige is impossible. How much of our goodness can we compile in order merit an entrance to that blessed dominion? How many times can we pray, give or serve in order to prove we are worthy of a seat at the King’s table.
Mistaken foolishness.
That’s what it is. It’s not that it’s all poorly motivated…it’s just so laughingly misunderstood. It’s like asking how long you’d have to train in order to jump high enough to reach Mars. It’s like asking how long you’d have to study to memorize the contents of the internet. It’s not a thing you can do – regardless of devotion, discipline or desire.
That’s where the children come in. The story in Mark 10 reveals such profound insight about access to the Kingdom. Jesus is quite clear that it is to “such” as children that the kingdom “belongs.” What does he mean by this? Often when comments are made on this passage, folks refer to the ‘innocence’ or ‘purity’ of children as the key characteristic required for possessing the kingdom.
Mistaken foolishness.
I have four children. And, while they appear sweet, adorable, cuddly and incapable of guile in their best moments…let’s just say this is an incomplete assessment of their nature. In fact, children are very likely some of the most self-centered, inconsiderate and impatient creatures on the planet. Some might say they can be downright churlish. Anyone who does not believe in some kind of original sin (regardless of how we define it) has probably never spent time with a 18-month-old.
I do not believe it is the innocence of children that qualifies them to possess the kingdom. Rather, it is their complete and utter powerlessness. In Jesus’ day, children didn’t have any “rights,” and there were no governmental agencies or not-for-profit organizations advocating for them. They were utterly dependent upon their parents for everything – for better or for worse. Everything they had was given to them; nothing they had was due to their rights, abilities or ingenuity.
The kingdom belongs to such as children precisely because it is given to those who truly have no right to it. It is extended as an expression of compassionate, covenant faithfulness by a Great Father who acts to meet the needs of his children, because they are incapable of making such judgments on their own. They are so dim, so self-absorbed and so unwilling and incapable of grasping the Ultimate Reality of which they are a part. But, He is so wise, so prepared, and so eager to pardon their stubbornness, shortsightedness and greed.
How precious is this gifted kingdom! It’s truly Christmas every day – and will be forever and ever.
Become like a child today, brothers and sisters! Recognize your powerlessness. Admit your lack of rights to the beautiful and overwhelming love of God. To the incapable, undeserving and dependent belong this precious realm!
Prepare your hearts to receive this indescribable gift!
The loving rule of Jesus is infinitely valuable. Jesus compares it to a treasure in a field…a pearl of great price…something that one would happily sacrifice everything she or he possesses in order to acquire. And, once that transaction has been made, that same person would realize that it is as if she or he had ‘cheated God,’ because what has been surrendered could never compare to what has been acquired, even if it were done a thousand times over. It is truly priceless.
Perhaps it should seem obvious, then, that earning entrance into the Kingdom through piety, performance, wealth, power or prestige is impossible. How much of our goodness can we compile in order merit an entrance to that blessed dominion? How many times can we pray, give or serve in order to prove we are worthy of a seat at the King’s table.
Mistaken foolishness.
That’s what it is. It’s not that it’s all poorly motivated…it’s just so laughingly misunderstood. It’s like asking how long you’d have to train in order to jump high enough to reach Mars. It’s like asking how long you’d have to study to memorize the contents of the internet. It’s not a thing you can do – regardless of devotion, discipline or desire.
That’s where the children come in. The story in Mark 10 reveals such profound insight about access to the Kingdom. Jesus is quite clear that it is to “such” as children that the kingdom “belongs.” What does he mean by this? Often when comments are made on this passage, folks refer to the ‘innocence’ or ‘purity’ of children as the key characteristic required for possessing the kingdom.
Mistaken foolishness.
I have four children. And, while they appear sweet, adorable, cuddly and incapable of guile in their best moments…let’s just say this is an incomplete assessment of their nature. In fact, children are very likely some of the most self-centered, inconsiderate and impatient creatures on the planet. Some might say they can be downright churlish. Anyone who does not believe in some kind of original sin (regardless of how we define it) has probably never spent time with a 18-month-old.
I do not believe it is the innocence of children that qualifies them to possess the kingdom. Rather, it is their complete and utter powerlessness. In Jesus’ day, children didn’t have any “rights,” and there were no governmental agencies or not-for-profit organizations advocating for them. They were utterly dependent upon their parents for everything – for better or for worse. Everything they had was given to them; nothing they had was due to their rights, abilities or ingenuity.
The kingdom belongs to such as children precisely because it is given to those who truly have no right to it. It is extended as an expression of compassionate, covenant faithfulness by a Great Father who acts to meet the needs of his children, because they are incapable of making such judgments on their own. They are so dim, so self-absorbed and so unwilling and incapable of grasping the Ultimate Reality of which they are a part. But, He is so wise, so prepared, and so eager to pardon their stubbornness, shortsightedness and greed.
How precious is this gifted kingdom! It’s truly Christmas every day – and will be forever and ever.
Become like a child today, brothers and sisters! Recognize your powerlessness. Admit your lack of rights to the beautiful and overwhelming love of God. To the incapable, undeserving and dependent belong this precious realm!
Prepare your hearts to receive this indescribable gift!