And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of the and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2 (ESV)

No Crisis of Conscience

I recently watched a video of the Gospel of Matthew. Having read this gospel hundreds of times in my lifetime it should have come as no surprise at how many times Jesus drew children to Himself to demonstrate the humility and simple faith one must have to enter the kingdom of God, but surprise me it did. In the process of His ministry Jesus continually demonstrated little children do not suffer from a crisis of conscience.

It has always amazed me that the gospel message has caused Christian scholars at times to scratch their heads in mystification yet remain simple enough for a child to understand. I recently watched a video on social media of a little girl, perhaps 4 years old at the most, explain the gospel message in amazing detail. I was reminded of children in the temple shouting to Christ “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:15).

The chief priests and scribes were outraged at this and chastised Jesus asking Him “Don't you hear what these are saying?” In other words silence them. Jesus, acknowledging the children's recognition and devotion, did not rebuke them but replied “Yes; have you never read, “'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise?'” 

Living out our thoughts in the simplicity of child-like faith produces godly actions bearing spiritual fruit. Our Heavenly Father sees us as His children so why should we not let down our walls and sit on His lap? He is Abba, Daddy, so let us rest our heads against His breast and relax in His care. Laying our heads on Him means laying our burdens on Him. This is what He asks us to do (Matthew 11:28-30).

As that sweet old children's song goes, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Becoming as a little child in His sight is easy. As easy as laying our head on His breast and whispering “Daddy.”

Ken