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Faith of a Child
“Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
Mark 9:36-37
We learn a lot about the nature and character of Jesus, and therefore God, from this short story. Jesus has an affection for children.He doesn't just love them because they are people but because children hold a special place in the heart of Jesus because of their nature. Children are innocent (though not perfect) of many of the vices and flaws of adults. They speak what is on their mind, they have child-like faith and trust, and they have a joy and awe of God's creation that is often lost as people go through the experiences of life.
Jesus also mentioned that in order to spend eternity with the Father in heaven, we need to approach him with the faith of a child. The kind of trust a child exhibits in their parents is the kind of trust God wants for his children when it comes to their dependence on Him. There is a lot we can learn from children if we pay close enough attention. Their childlike sense of wonder is something we should aspire to carry throughout our entire lives. We should look at God's creation around us with an equal sense of awe and gratitude. The text tells us that Jesus took the child in his arms. In the same way, we should welcome children to come to us, not as a distraction, burden, or afterthought, but as a blessing we are eternally grateful for. In this way, we can be more like Jesus in the way we love and take care of those whom Jesus loves and takes care of.
Mark 9:36-37
We learn a lot about the nature and character of Jesus, and therefore God, from this short story. Jesus has an affection for children.He doesn't just love them because they are people but because children hold a special place in the heart of Jesus because of their nature. Children are innocent (though not perfect) of many of the vices and flaws of adults. They speak what is on their mind, they have child-like faith and trust, and they have a joy and awe of God's creation that is often lost as people go through the experiences of life.
Jesus also mentioned that in order to spend eternity with the Father in heaven, we need to approach him with the faith of a child. The kind of trust a child exhibits in their parents is the kind of trust God wants for his children when it comes to their dependence on Him. There is a lot we can learn from children if we pay close enough attention. Their childlike sense of wonder is something we should aspire to carry throughout our entire lives. We should look at God's creation around us with an equal sense of awe and gratitude. The text tells us that Jesus took the child in his arms. In the same way, we should welcome children to come to us, not as a distraction, burden, or afterthought, but as a blessing we are eternally grateful for. In this way, we can be more like Jesus in the way we love and take care of those whom Jesus loves and takes care of.
Our Prayer
Our prayer for you is that you will rely on Jesus and His word in each season, you find a community to walk alongside you to be encouraged and refreshed, and you get or stay connected within the local church to help you grow in your relationship with God.
ResourceS
Below are resources that we as a church recommend on this topic.
Feel free to check them out and be encouraged to come to the Next Steps room for prayer as well!
Feel free to check them out and be encouraged to come to the Next Steps room for prayer as well!
Knowing is a tool and starting point that ignites a passion for the Word of God. We believe as you lean into biblical truths and apply them in your life you will walk in purpose, peace, joy and freedom that is only found in Jesus. Click below to access the Knowing resource.
Praise & Prayer
We want to hear your story and pray for you! You may find yourself in a season of rejoicing and we want to rejoice with you. You may find yourself in a difficulty season, we want to pray for you.