How Can Christians Be Like Christ?

Main Texts: Mark 10:13-16 & 10:17-24

The Call to accept Christ as little children, from infancy to 12
years old, was a radical call for ancient Jewish culture:
Countercultural.

In Jesus’ day, children, while loved (especially sons) were
considered for the most part immature, unreasonable and objects
to be trained. They were to be schooled until the ages 13, to be
considered a useful part of adult Jewish society.

Elite rabbis like Jesus should not waste their busy lives and
mission, addressing children, rather focus their needed attention
to the issues of the adult world. But Jesus broke this societal rule
and encouraged parents to bring their children to be officially
“blessed” by Him. (verse 14)

And He became incensed when His own disciples “rebuked”
them: The children and their parents, and even possibly Jesus!
But when Jesus heard their rebuke and saw their dismissive
attitudes, that was more loyal to their rigid Judaism, He become
indignant/angry at them (verse 14).

He then set up a new rule for His good news: “Let the little
children come to me and do not hinder them (and their parents)
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these”, not like the
proud but those running to receive His gift.

Like the children’s humble demeanor, the adults are to realize
humbly their need and accept Jesus’ grace, gift or they would
never enter the Kingdom of heaven (verse 15).

This story provides a fitting contrast for the Rich adult who was a
religious heavy weight (see Mark 10:17-24). He bragged to be a
heavy-weight in Judaism as well trusting in his riches. (The love of
money can become the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10)

Jesus pointed this out in verse 21, and with a heart of love asked
him surrender his first love and to receive the gift of Jesus
kingdom or have also treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

He refused the offer: “At this the man’s face fell and he went away
sad because in spite of his religious law abiding, he selfishly
accrued great wealth (my paraphrase of verse 22), he did not
receive the kingdom.

Contrast this to the joy experienced by the children and their
parents in Mark 10:13-16. They were willing to approach Jesus,

counter-culture, with the need and hunger to be blessed by Jesus,
and accept His gift of the Kingdom.

They had no claim of power and status, especially from their
religious society, but the humble need to be “touched” or
“blessed” by Jesus; and not earn but receive the Kingdom as a
gift. The disciples’ failure to understand Jesus’ kingdom as a gift
of grace responding to humility, earned Jesus’ ire and rebuke.
And the children received, not earned, His hands upon them and
blessing.

They demonstrated the attitude needed to enter into Christ’s
Kingdom: The rich adult was out; the children and their parents
were in!

AMEN