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Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him. When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, “Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God. I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom unless you accept it the way a child does.” Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them. —Mark 10:13-16 (CEV)

Some people spend most of their adult lives trying to be the "expert." They think that to be a good person, or a good leader, they have to have all the answers. They work hard to be strong, to be independent, and to show God that they are doing a great job. They often treat their faith like a job where they need to earn a gold star every day.

But Jesus completely flips that idea on its head. When the disciples tried to shoo away the kids, thinking Jesus was too busy for "unimportant" people who couldn't contribute anything, Jesus actually got angry. He told his friends that the only way to even step foot into His kingdom was to become like those kids.

A child doesn't walk into a room and try to prove they belong there. They just walk in because they know their parents love them. They don't worry about where their next meal is coming from; they just trust that someone will take care of it. They are simple, dependent, and completely honest about needing help.

It is common for people to find that their own "strength" is actually what keeps them away from God. They get so busy trying to be the boss of their own lives that they forget how to be children. Entering God's kingdom isn't about being the smartest person in the room or the hardest worker. It is about letting go of the need to be in control and simply trusting that Jesus is as good as He says He is.

Let's Connect

  • Identify one area where it is hard to let go and practice trusting like a child this week.

  • Text Pastor Vic at 509-919-1897 to share how you are learning to trust.

Reflection & Prayer Coming to God doesn't require a resume or a list of achievements. It only requires a heart that is willing to say, "I need you."

Lord, we confess that we often try to do everything on our own strength. Thank you that we don't have to be experts to belong to you; help us to trust you like a child today. Amen.