Childlike Context

August 10

(Luke 18:15-16 NIV) ““People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. {16} 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.””

(Matthew 18:1-6 NIV) ““At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" {2} He called a little child and had him stand among them. {3} And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. {4} Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. {5} "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. {6} But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.””

Jesus had a special place in His heart for children, and scolded His disciples for trying to keep them from coming to Him. Childlike faith is special, and woe to the man who hinders a child from coming to Christ. But what does it mean to have a childlike faith? There isn’t much in our verses today to clarify it for us. There are three main rules for interpreting Scripture. Rule #1 is context. Rule #2 is context. And rule #3 is context. The context of today’s verses from the Physician gives us some clues about childlike faith. The verses just before these speak of a prideful Pharisee who looked down on others. The verses immediately after these tell the story of a rich young ruler who refused to leave his wealth behind to follow Jesus. Meditate on these verses as they might apply to the meaning of childlike faith, and tomorrow we will explore them further. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day