This morning, I want to share with you some profound insights from the gospel of Mark, chapter 10. In this passage, Jesus teaches the importance of a childlike receptivity to the kingdom of God. There, Mark tells us that Jesus was indignant when people tried to stop little children from coming to him, saying, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
This powerful message is not merely about children but about the fundamental nature of faith. Jesus emphasizes that to enter the kingdom of God, one must receive it with the trust and openness of a little child. This passage echoes the opening chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans, highlighting the guilt of humanity and our tendency to suppress the truth. As humans, we often choose lies over the truth, which is a phenomenon that started as far back as the Garden of Eden.
The Human Tendency to Suppress the Truth
In Romans 1:18-25, Paul writes about how people suppress the truth by exchanging it for a lie. This passage is a sobering reminder of how humanity often ignores the truth that has been clearly revealed, choosing instead to follow falsehoods. This was true in ancient times and remains so today. It’s evident when we look around at various forms of prejudice and racism in our world. Our biases, based on untruths or half-truths, lead us to harden our hearts. As Webster’s dictionary defines, hardening of the heart is when we stop having kind or friendly feelings for someone.
Recognizing and Softening Hardened Hearts
The account of the Grinch who stole Christmas serves as a poignant illustration of what a hardened heart looks like. His heart becoming colder and smaller is symbolic of what happens when we harbor unkind feelings. In our lives, when someone wrongs us, and we refuse to forgive, we too allow our hearts to grow cold, just as the Grinch did. However, particularly in matters of faith and obedience to God, this hardening can be devastating.
Embracing a Childlike Faith
In today’s gospel, Jesus addresses this issue when confronted by Pharisees trying to test him on the question of divorce. The Pharisees, with their hardened hearts, sought to trap Jesus rather than seek genuine answers. Jesus points out that Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts, reflecting their failure to live with integrity and uphold the sanctity of marriage.
Children, on the other hand, exhibit a natural trust and faith, believing readily when told something. Jesus highlights this quality as essential for those who wish to enter the kingdom of God. Just as children easily trust in their parents, we are invited to trust in God’s will and intentions for our lives.
The Call to Humility and Trust
No matter our age, we must humble ourselves, recognize our profound need for God, and trust Him with childlike faith. This trust leads us to true joy and freedom under God’s gracious rule. A life of authentic faith spares us the burdens of self-reliance. Instead, it liberates us, as we lean on God’s strength and provisions.
Guarding Against Unbelief
Today, I urge you to guard your hearts against unbelief. Unbelief often stems from choosing to believe lies we’re comfortable with, rather than the truths that challenge and liberate us. The world may tempt us with arguments and promises that appear fulfilling, but these are often half-truths entwined with deceit.
To truly dwell in God’s peace and enter His kingdom, let us adopt a posture of openness and humility, testing everything against the truth revealed through Christ, the living word. By doing so, we, like those children brought to Jesus, can come to Him, believe in Him, and in turn, be richly blessed by His presence in our lives.
So, friends, let us not harden our hearts. Instead, come to God just as you are, holding nothing back. May we, as children of God, embrace our need for Him and receive His touch and blessing. Amen.