Luke 18-7.25.22

Scripture

Luke‬ ‭18:17‬ ‭NLT

“I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

Observation-What does it say?

Some parents were bringing their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. The disciples began scolding these parents for bothering Jesus. But, Jesus called for and actually welcomed the children. He also used them to explain to the disciples that they needed to have a faith like theirs in order to inherit the kingdom of God.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Trust in Jesus wholeheartedly.

Who would have thought that being compared to a child would be a good thing? But, God doesn’t see things the way the world does. Jesus tells His disciples in this passage that they must receive the kingdom of God like a child, or else they will not enter it. But, what does He mean by that?! I believe what Jesus is telling His disciples here is that children have very little control of their lives. They are dependent on their parents for everything. Wherever their parents go, they go. Whatever their parents do, they do. They also have to put their complete trust in other people. They trust what their parents, teachers, or other adults say without any doubts or fear. In this manner, having faith like a child means putting aside our own ways, trusting God at His Word, obeying His commands out of our love and reverence for Him and being fully dependent on Him for our every need. So, having faith like a child doesn’t make us naïve, but rather it shows our COMPLETE and utter trust in God and His promises. 😊 

Life Application

His Ways are better than my ways.

Do you believe that God wants the best for us? I KNOW He does! It may not be what we envisioned or thought. But, we have to trust that God wants to see us be our best versions of ourselves. It may take us out of our comfort zones. It may stress us out a bit by stretching our faith more. But, know that God is with us. He loves us and He will never leave us or forsake us. And just in case you may need some reminding, here are a few verses to take with you today to know that you can trust God now and forevermore.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”-Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”-‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11

And my personal favorite:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”-‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6

-Moses Gaddi