#1231. Receive the kingdom like a child (21/2/25)

Welcome to the Come to Jesus Daily Devotional, posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as we continue our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series.

From Luke 18:9-17, let’s reflect on how Jesus likens a child’s weakness and dependence to saving faith.

Luke 18:9–17

You can listen to this devotional below (It’s also available on Spotify on the Community Church Putney podcast).

https://youtu.be/QT3NRwqjmxs

‘People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on 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. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”’ (Luke 18:15-17)

Luke 18:15–17

People were bringing babies to Jesus.

As we read this, let’s pause to consider that we’re witnessing another example of Jesus’ heart for those often overlooked or excluded. The disciples’ rebuke reveals their belief that children weren’t worthy of Jesus’ time. Yet, time and again in Luke’s gospel, we see Jesus valuing those whom the world deems insignificant or unworthy.

Receive the Kingdom like a child.

The idea of “child-like” faith is often popularised, with many suggesting that children represent an authentic innocence or self we should rediscover. However, when Jesus speaks of receiving the kingdom of God “like a little child,” it’s crucial to move beyond sentimental interpretations and understand His true and simple meaning.

To fully grasp this teaching, we need to consider its context. Jesus’ words here build on His earlier teaching in Luke 18:9-14, where He challenges people—regardless of how good they consider themselves—to humble themselves and seek God’s mercy. He ends that passage by saying, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Here, Jesus emphasises that both the self-righteous and the openly sinful are equally in need of God’s forgiveness.

Luke 18:9–14

In this context, Jesus uses the example of a child to illustrate the humility needed for salvation. Children are entirely dependent—they are weak, vulnerable, and unable to provide for themselves. Similarly, we are spiritually helpless and completely dependent on God. This stands in contrast to the religious leaders of the time, who believed they could earn righteousness. Salvation, on the other hand, requires recognising our own helplessness.

This humility is vividly exemplified by the tax collector in verses 9-14, who, acknowledging his need for mercy, prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This is the essence of “child-like” faith—humble, dependent, and fully reliant on God’s grace.

Let’s bring young people to Jesus

This section also has very important lessons for parents, anyone working with children, and anyone who is concerned for the welfare of young people. Jesus wants us to bring children to Him. We do this through prayer. We do this by teaching them. We do this by exposing them to the influences of Christian teaching, music, and stories. The world, like the disciples, often ‘rebukes’ those who seek to bring young people to Jesus, but Jesus loves every effort in this regard!

So let’s bring ourselves, in our helplessness to Jesus our Saviour, and let’s seek to bring others, including the young, to our loving Saviour who overlooks no one!

Let’s pray together

"Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love for the unworthy and the weak. You are compassionate and gracious, full of mercy. Help me to come to You with the humility and dependence of a child, trusting You completely. Grant me the heart to bring children and young people to You, seizing every opportunity You provide. Amen."