https://odb.org/2026/08/18/loving-the-little-ones
Mark 10:13–16 (NIV): 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
All summer long, the children in the house behind ours spend hours swinging on their swing set. Their noisy swing set. Its creaky noise doesn’t bother the children who seem, some days, to swing endlessly. Complaining, I asked my husband why their parents don’t oil the swing. Praying about it, however, I noticed a change in my heart. I could see the children’s laughter and joy bursting from the trust they find in their family’s yard, and in having parents within calling distance nearby.
Jesus spoke of such trust when speaking of children. People were bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them, but His annoyed disciples scolded the parents, rebuking them (Mark 10:13). Seeing this, Christ “was indignant” (v. 14). “Let the little children come to me,” He told them, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” He added, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (vv. 14-15). (Patricia Raybon, Our Daily Bread 18th August 2026)
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” We should all be familiar with Matthew 10:15 where Jesus taught that one of the criteria for entry into the Kingdom of God is to be like a child. Jesus used the phrase, receive the Kingdom of God like a child. Not so much that we must become a child to enter the Kingdom of God but receive it like a child.
But what does it mean to receive like a child? What differentiates a child from an adult? One I would say is the experience of life. Another is definitely knowledge. Thus the more experienced we are, the worse we become to receive the Kingdom. Also knowledge makes us more cynical, sceptical and have more questioning and instead of faith, we have doubts and unbelief.
Instead a child is less questioning, not sceptical and is able to receive things at face value. A child does not question motives and intentions. Just plain and simple belief. Accepting rather than doubting. Not demanding of a sign. Not questioning God.
A third issue we face as adults is likely pride. Because of our life experiences and knowledge (academic or otherwise) we are proud of ourselves, of who we are and what we have achieved today. We now know more and have experienced much, compared to when we were 5 years old. Some of us have the privilege of travel and have seen other nations and cultures. Instead of marvelling at God’s creation, we have become proud in our hearts.
No matter how successful and knowledgeable we are and even if we have a doctorate on the most complex of subjects, always remember Jesus’s words – anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a child, will never enter it. A child-like attitude, the humility of a child, its simple accepting faith – these are qualities we need even if we are already 80 years old and have eaten more salt than most.
I like to end today’s devotional with a video I so happened to catch yesterday: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HuRAhjqwx/
Have a good day ahead, everyone! Remain humble all the time as the LORD our God hates the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)!
Ronnie's Thoughts 