Mark 10:2-16
“Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." (Mark 10:15)
While discussing this passage with our group, I started to reflect on how much society’s view of children has changed. While parents and caregivers love their children at the same level as our ancestors millennia ago, different times and cultures saw children in a utilitarian way. They were viewed as future workers or bargaining chips—whether in matters of inheritance, dowries, or building clout through marriage. At least now we are trying harder to see children as whole people, good for just existing. We’re striving to learn how to give them a better society to grow up in so that they can be healthy adults in body, mind, and spirit.
In this passage, the caregivers brought their children to Jesus, recognizing the love and grace that knowing Him would offer them. The children, in turn, came to Jesus with open hearts and a trusting vulnerability, thanks to their caregivers' efforts. I see this as an invitation for all of us, no matter our own history with our caregivers. We are called to come to Jesus with the same kind of trust.
What struck in particular in this quote was the word “accept.” Accept is an action, but it’s passive at the same time—it’s a reminder that faith and a relationship with God are gifts, not things we can chase or earn like we might pursue other pleasures or successes in life. And let’s be honest, trusting like this can be hard. It’s not always easy to let go of the idea that we have to make everything happen on our own. It’s a bit like when a child can’t reach something on the counter. It’s frustrating to depend on someone else to get it for you, especially when you want it now.
In the same way, waiting and trusting that God has good things in store for us can feel frustrating too. We want to fix things, to make things happen faster. But what I’ve found is that when I allow myself to sit in that space of trust, I can be freed from feeling that I have to earn my worth. It’s not always comfortable, but once you get past that need for control, it’s incredibly restorative and healing.
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