Childlike Faith: What Jesus Teaches Us About Approaching God

Coming off the heels of a discussion about divorce and hardened hearts, Jesus shifts to a powerful lesson about childlike faith. This contrast is striking - from the hardened hearts of adults to the simple, trusting faith of children.

Imagine a scene where a respected teacher stands in a crowd. Parents are bringing their small children to this person who has the power to heal. But the teacher's bodyguards are blocking the children, stiff-arming them away, saying "No, you can't bring your children because other things are more important."

That's not the God we see in Scripture. Instead, we see Jesus welcoming the little children, rebuking those who would keep them away.

What Does Childlike Faith Really Mean?

Childlike faith is about:

It's not marked by cynicism or doubt but by simple trust - like a child who believes their parent will catch them when they jump.

The Historical Context of Children in Jesus' Time

Understanding the value of children in Jesus' time gives us important context:

With such high mortality rates, parents bringing their children to Jesus for blessing makes perfect sense. They wanted the healer to touch their precious children.

What Did Jesus Say When He Blessed the Children?

While we don't know exactly what Jesus said when he placed his hands on the children, he may have given them the Aaronic blessing from Numbers:

"The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace."

Jesus' Consistent Message About Children

This wasn't the first time Jesus emphasized the importance of childlike faith. In Matthew 18:2-5, he said:

"Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes me."

Key Phrases That Reveal Jesus' Heart

"Let the Little Children Come to Me"

This isn't just allowing a possibility - it's an invitation. Jesus asserts children's right to approach him.

"Do Not Hinder Them"

What obstacles are we creating that prevent people from coming to the Lord in faith? What barriers are we putting in our own way to becoming closer to Jesus?

"For the Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These"

The kingdom of heaven is characterized by qualities seen in children - humility, trust, and dependence. Jesus doesn't just tolerate children; he blesses them and invests in them.

What Are the "Such as These" Characteristics?

Simplicity and Humility

Children aren't preoccupied with status or self-promotion. How about us?

Dependence and Trust

Children rely on their caregivers and trust without having to master everything first. How is your dependence and trust meter with the Lord?

Openness and Receptivity

Children are more open and less jaded. How are we becoming jaded towards the things of God?

The "Foolishness" of Faith

The message of the cross is foolishness to many in our community. Believing that Jesus lived, died on a cross, and rose from the dead seems absurd to some. But to those with childlike faith, it's the power of God.

You Can Bring Anyone or Anything to Jesus

Some people think they're too sinful to approach God or enter a church. They fear the walls might collapse if they walked in. But that's not true - you can bring anyone to Jesus.

Your sin is not new, and it's not too big to be covered by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Your heavenly Father will catch you. You are not insignificant to Him.

The Beatitudes: Another Picture of Childlike Faith

The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 give us another picture of who belongs in God's kingdom:

In each case, your heavenly Father will catch you.

How Do You Approach Christ?

Do you come with the posture of a child - humble, dependent, with uncomplicated faith? Or do you have hindrances like pride, self-reliance, and overthinking that block you from freely coming to Jesus?

Jesus loves to bless and pray over those who come to Him, even when you feel least worthy. He wants to grab your face and say, "May the Lord bless you. May He keep you. May the sun shine upon you. May you walk out in peace in your life."

Life Application

As individuals and as a church, we have a responsibility to intentionally bring children to Christ - in our homes, churches, and communities. We should be a church that:

This week, consider these questions:

Remember, because of Christ's sacrifice, we can approach Him just as those children did. His shed blood covers every sin - past and future. Our marriages, our children, our lives can be renewed because of what Jesus did for us.