Be Peter Pan?
Amen I tell you: Whoever will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Mark 10:15
“I Don’t Want to Grow Up” is a well-known song from Peter Pan. The story and musical present a longing of many children not to become “adults”. For a child, adulthood is represented by their parents. So “adulthood” can look like not a lot of fun. When needing to be disciplined, the child’s parents can seem unreasonable. The story of Peter Pan has its appeal.
But Jesus isn’t telling us to be a Peter Pan. In fact, this verse occurs when the disciples were discouraging parents from bringing their children to Jesus. He uses the opportunity to make a very clear object lesson. What is a characteristic fact about children? They are trusting. As a result, they believe what they are taught.
In order to be saved, we need to receive the kingdom of God. To receive the kingdom of God like a little child means to trust what God’s Word declares. God’s Word is clear. All of us have sinned. All of us deserve God’s punishment. It also declares that Jesus came to take our sin and carry our punishment. There is not a soul that Jesus doesn’t love. We can’t and don’t need to put on a front to be accepted by him. He loves us.
What a blessed assurance is ours. No matter what, we can count on his forgiving love. His arms are open. Enter to hear his Word. Apply that Word and rejoice in the victory that only Jesus can give.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your love and care. Enable us to lovingly trust you for all that we need. Amen.