Why You Need Childlike Faith—Not Adult Achievements | Mark 10:13-16

The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Chris Belyew from Stark, FL. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. You're helping build a legacy of truth that reaches the next generation. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 10:13-16:

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. — Mark 10:13-16

Jesus just finished teaching about marriage and the seriousness of covenant—and now, in a powerful contrast, we see children being brought to him. But the disciples see it as a distraction. A nuisance. Not worth the time of the Messiah. They rebuke the parents, shoo the kids away, and try to protect Jesus from this "waste of time".

But Jesus' response is surprising—it's indignant with them.

He says, "Stop shooing them away. Let the kids come. The kingdom belongs to those as willing and vulnerable as these."

In a culture that often overlooked or undervalued children, Jesus says they're the model citizens of the kingdom. Not because of their performance or power. But because of their posture. Their dependence. Their willingness. Their all in faith. Jesus is calling children and correcting the disciples. He's reminding them (and us) that greatness in the kingdom is not about status. It's about surrender.

Are you still "childlike" in your approach with Jesus, dependent, trusting, eager? Or have you "outgrown" this and become too busy, important, reserved, and protective?

We are all prone to outgrow the blessings of our childlike faith and develop a spiritual pretentiousness. We only do this because we wrongly believe that our intellect, education, doctrine, good works, experience, or notoriety is earned by effort or maturity. But Jesus teaches something different. It's not only about rejecting childishness. It's about embracing certain aspects of childlikeness.

So, where do you need to reject childishness? And then, where do you need to embrace childlikeness again in your relationship with Jesus?

#ChildlikeFaith, #LetThemCome, #Project23

ASK THIS:

1. When was the last time you approached God with childlike trust?
2. What distractions keep you from depending fully on Jesus?
3. How do we sometimes hinder others from coming to Jesus?
4. What would it look like to welcome and bless the "little ones" in your life?

DO THIS:

Pause today. Slow down. Say this simple prayer: "Jesus, I come to you with nothing but need. Hold me, bless me, lead me."

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for seeing me, not for what I can do, but for who I am. Teach me to trust you like a child again.

PLAY THIS:

"Run to the Father" by Cody Carnes.