Receiving the Kingdom of God like a child – Mark 10:15-16

Mark 10:15-16 is a profound part of God’s word. In these verses Jesus teaches us about how people enter the Kingdom of God: “Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them”

How do we enter into King Jesus’ kingdom, coming under his loving reign and rule? Jesus tells us to receive the Kingdom like a little child. And to receive it in this kind of way is not just a suggestion, but a necessity if we are to enter it. The question is, however, what does it mean to receive the kingdom like a child?

In those days, children were seen as lowly and insignificant, without social standing or rights. When Jesus invites us to be like children, He is pointing to these kinds of things. It’s not about innocence or purity, for both the Bible and life experience teaches us that children, like all of us, are not without sin. Instead, Jesus is speaking about the humble status of children. They are utterly dependent on their parents for everything, from food and clothing to protection and care. This dependence is the key to understanding how we are to receive the Kingdom of God.

To receive the Kingdom like a child means to come to God in utter dependence and humility. It means recognizing that we bring nothing of our own merit to the table. We don’t earn our way into the Kingdom through our achievements, or by being good enough. No amount of sermons preached, ministries led, or kindness shown can earn us a place in God’s Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is received. It is a gift of grace, received through faith alone in Christ alone. It is acknowledging our spiritual poverty and our need for God’s mercy and grace. Just as a newborn baby relies entirely on their parents, we rely completely on God for our salvation.

The message of Jesus is clear: we receive the Kingdom of God as an unmerited gift. It is not something we can achieve or earn. It’s a gift given to those who come to God with empty hands, recognizing their need for His grace. This is the essence of the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Jesus loves children and calls us to learn from them. The Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these little ones—humble, dependent, and aware of their need for God’s grace. Have you approached Jesus in this way?