Understanding Jesus' Parable of the Child in Luke 18:17

The biblical passage in Luke 18:17 commands us to enter the kingdom of God like a child. This verse encapsulates a profound lesson that has guided countless believers to adopt a mindset that is simple, humble, and teachable.

Meekness and Teachability

Jesus emphasizes that being meek and teachable is paramount. A child's capacity to believe what they are told and their simple faith serve as models for our faith journey. Unlike children, mature individuals often rationalize and complicate matters, which can distance them from the simplicity and purity of faith.

Our pride, fueled by our accomplishments, can hinder our ability to trust and submit to God. Therefore, Jesus calls us to humble ourselves, to believe with sincere faith similar to that of a child, who trusts a father and obeys without questioning.

Being Born Again and Childlike Faith

Once a person has turned into someone hateful, selfish, or evil, they must undergo a "second birth" to become like innocent children. This rebirth involves trusting the Father unconditionally, just as one would trust a parent who demonstrates love and care.

Jesus uses the example of a child in his parables to emphasize the importance of learning about God in a childlike manner. A child not only believes their parents but also eagerly follows their commands. Similarly, as children of God, we are called to believe in God's goodness and to submit to his will, trusting that he knows best for us.

Key Verses and Spiritual Callings

“Heb 11:6 says, ‘But without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This verse highlights the necessity of faith in our relationship with God.

Being childlike in our faith involves accepting God's word without question. Children believe their parents not because of logical reasoning, but because of the trust they place in their parents. In the same way, we should trust God's word and submit to his will.

Humility and Obedience

The biblical passages in James 4:6, Matthew 11:28-29, and Hebrews 12:9 underscore the importance of humility and willingness to obey. Humility is not a sign of immaturity, but a spiritual virtue that allows us to recognize our dependence on God and his guidance.

The Gift of Undeserved Kindness

God’s undeserved kindness is significant. James 4:6 proclaims, “But he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.” This verse teaches us that true humility brings God's favor and blessing. When we submit to God in humility, we open ourselves to his undeserved kindness.

Following Jesus’ Invitation

Jesus invites us to come to him, explaining, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls." (Matthew 11:29). By submitting to Jesus as our teacher and leader, we find rest and peace in our journey of faith.

Subjection to Authority

In Romans 13:1, it is clear that every individual must submit to governing authorities, placed in their positions by God. This is a call for Christians to embrace a spirit of subjection that is rooted in faith. By submitting to spiritual authorities like God and the church, we demonstrate our commitment to our faith.

Maintaining Respect and Conduct

Finally, 1 Peter 3:15-2 instructs us to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts and to maintain respect and good conduct, even when it comes to familial duties. Maintaining a generous and respectful attitude, as 1 Peter 3:15-2 suggests, helps us to uphold our faith in challenging situations.

Conclusion

The parable of the child in Luke 18:17 is a powerful call to a life of faith that is characterized by humility, teachability, and obedience. By embracing the simplicity and trust of a child, we can find the true path to the kingdom of God and experience the fullness of our spiritual lives.

Keywords: childlike faith, humility, lawful submission