Child-like Faith

This morning in Mark’s gospel, we are picking up in chapter 10 where Bro. Ronnie left off on December 29 when Jesus answered the Pharisees and taught the Twelve on the issues of marriage and divorce. 

 

This account in Mark 10:13-16 is also found in Matthew 19 and Luke 18.  It also has been used throughout 2000 years of church history to justify infant baptism even though there is absolutely zero reference to baptism in this passage.

 

I want to make three observations with you this morning and then make three applications of this text in a message simply entitled, “Child-like Faith.”

 

 

1. The Request of the People about Children, Mark 10:13a

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them.

 

The “they” in this verse seems to refer to mother, fathers, older children, and others who were bringing their children to Jesus for Him to bless them.  Luke 18:15 says these were babies and could range in age from newborns all the way up to twelve years of age. 

 

Why were they doing this?  These people wanted God’s blessing on their children from a “holy man.”  This was a long-standing Jewish tradition that can be seen as far back as Genesis 48:14. 

 

14 Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

 

The Patriarch Israel or Jacob laid his hands on the heads of Ephraim and Manasseh and blessed them. 

 

Do we see anything like this today?  This practice closely resembles our parent/child dedications.  It is not a requirement, but simply an opportunity for the church and the pastor to pray for parents and their children and to commit them to the Lord.

 

Some have pointed to this passage of Scripture as including infant baptism.  However, as I said previously, I personally think this is a stretch since no mention of baptism, sprinkling or pouring is found anywhere in this text.

 

 

1. The Rebuke by the Twelve about Children, Mark 10:13b

13…but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

 

The Twelve saw all these people and all these snotty-nosed kids, and they got real protective of their Jesus.  They didn’t want to share. 

 

More than likely, they thought Jesus was too busy to deal with children.  Apparently, they saw children as unimportant and insignificant as was common in first-century Judaism.  After all, in their eyes, children couldn’t contribute much to culture and society.  The disciples simply wanted to send these people and their children on their way so Jesus could get back to more urgent matters.

 

 

• The Response from Jesus about Children, Mark 10:14-16

14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

 

In these three verses, we see that Jesus was angry.  He was welcoming, and He was joyful. 

 

In verse 14, Jesus was angry or “greatly displeased” with the Twelve turning families away.  The NASB and NIV says indignant.  The KJV says much displeased.  The NLT says angry.  In the language of the NT, this is actually a compound word from “much” and “to grieve.”

 

At the end of verse 14, I think we have good reason to believe that God has a special grace that He provides for infant or children or mentally handicapped individuals who die before they reach an age where they recognize their need for a Savior and exercise such faith.  Jesus said for such is the kingdom of God.

 

In verse 15, we see Jesus as welcoming or any receive the kingdom of God as a little child.  What does that mean? 

 

Does it mean as adults or students that we must come to Jesus humbly?  I think it can although all children aren’t humble. 

 

Does it mean as adults or students that we must come to Jesus with simple trust?  Again, I think it can.  However, all children aren’t trusting. 

 

More than anything else, I think Jesus means that we as adults or students or children must come to Jesus for salvation with empty hands.  In other words, with a helpless dependence. 

 

You must realize that your morality does not impress God.  Your family tree does not impress God.  Your church attendance or baptism or membership or tithing record does not impress God. 

 

God receives those that acknowledge that you have nothing to offer to Him.  All you can do is trust in the grace and mercy of God to save you by receiving Jesus Christ into your life as Lord and Savior.

 

In verse 16, we see Jesus as joyful, when He took all those children in His arms and laid hands on them and blessed them.  Jesus loves the little children of all the world. 

 

 

Applications/Conclusions

First, we see from this text parents and families bringing their children to Jesus for His blessing.  This morning, we are going to observe the same.

 

Secondly, this text shows us the importance of evangelizing children from a church’s perspective and a parent’s perspective. 

 

If you were saved as an adult after age 18, please stand.  If you were saved between the ages of 13 and 18, please stand.  If you were saved at age 12 or younger, please stand.  Brothers and sisters, this simply illustration should remind us that Children’s Sunday School is vital as are ministries like GNC, VBS, Preteen Camp, and Fall Festival.

 

Furthermore, moms and dads, seeing what I you just saw, why would not make sure that your children are in Sunday School every Sunday and in RA’s and GA’s and here on Wednesday nights and at GNC? 

 

Finally, regardless of your age, if you have never received Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life like a child with helpless dependence, this morning, I invite you to call on Him to save you for the very first time.