15 "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Like A Child

I've read and heard many (contradictory) interpretations of what Jesus meant. Scholars and pastors run wild with the child analogy Jesus used. I understand. Talking up children's innocence, spontaneity, eagerness, or joy is tempting. And children are incredible—gifts from God—but Jesus wasn't praising a virtue he saw in children. As someone once said, "There are two types of people in the world. Those who think mankind is essentially good at the core, and those who have a toddler."

Jesus wasn't saying that you will get the kingdom if you are sweet, joyful, or innocent enough. He wasn't preaching works-based righteousness in any way.

Instead, Jesus was making a comparison. Some people receive the kingdom. They receive it because they receive things like children receive things. The keyword is "receive." How do children receive things?

They receive everything. It takes years for them to begin earning. Childhood is a season of receiving. You receive your home, clothing, food, and shelter. You receive love, education, and help. The adult world exists to keep you alive. You have no money to offer. Your relationships aren't reciprocal. It is understood that you will be cared for, and you are loved. You can only say thank you with cuteness. So you receive.

Receive vs. Achieve

People in the kingdom are like children in that they know the kingdom must be received. You cannot achieve the kingdom. It isn't given on merit. You can't earn righteousness. It is all grace, all God's gift.

Absolutely dependent, we receive and enjoy God's kingdom. Humbly we must receive—all because of and by God's grace. Jesus said:

Matthew 18:4 — 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

I grew up in a believing home and had an idyllic childhood. A time came, however, when I turned from God and went my own way. You likely wouldn't be all that moved if I told you the tales of my rebellion. You have heard many more impressive pre-Christ stories. But, for me, it was bad. I was given so much, knew of the Lord's goodness, and had no excuse. Still, I ran from him.

And when my time came, when the Holy Spirit chased me down and convinced me the love of God was more desirable than the sin I was clinging onto, I was broken. I had nothing to offer. Nothing in my hands could I bring.

At that point, I learned the meaning of the following:

Romans 3:23–25 — 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith...

And, by faith, I received God's satisfaction, righteousness, love, and acceptance. Jesus won it for me. And he won it for you. Like a child, receive it!