Lent: A Journey to Hope in Uncertain Timesಮಾದರಿ

Most people expend a lot of effort maneuvering for a position of prestige and power. We want to be well-regarded and the boss, and we often chafe under others telling us what to do. From sporting events to games we play with our family, the natural inclination for most of us is to win, be first, and be the greatest.

The same was true for the disciples. They approached Jesus and asked Him how they could win—how they could be the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus answered them by bringing a young child from the crowd and telling the disciples, “unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven”—let alone be the greatest (Matthew 18:3).

We can only imagine how the disciples looked at one another in disbelief. What could their teacher mean by such a strange assertion? In Matthew’s account of the event, Jesus emphasizes the child’s humility. Not because there's something inherently humble about a kid but because a child is wholly dependent on others. Children show complete surrender to their caregivers who provide for their needs. Likewise, a person truly seeking God’s kingdom must be fully surrendered to God. For many of us, this takes intention as we seek to accept that we are beloved by God and can fully surrender to God’s care. This honest acceptance of our need for God is the beginning of authentic hope.

REFLECT

• Jesus’ call to become like little children to enter the kingdom of God goes beyond a suggestion and is actually an imperative. What does this passage teach us about approaching God?

RESPOND

• How can you actively practice complete surrender like a child?