Jesus wants us to have childlike faith

By Dean Collins

It seems there might be a good reason and a bad reason to become indignant. I don’t use the word indignant much. In Mark chapter 10, we see this word twice. The Greek word is aganakteo which can also have the meaning of being irritated or exasperated. I presume that you, like me, might use these two words more often than we use indignant.

Admitting to being exasperated seems less harsh than being indignant. So does being irritated. Reading through Mark chapter 10, I think Jesus might be okay with indignation in certain contexts. And we should be extremely grateful that Jesus overflows with grace and mercy when we realize we became indignant for the wrong reasons and admit it.

It was probably just a few days before Jesus’ death while traveling into Jerusalem that Jesus became indignant. The disciples were focused on something other than who was in front of them. Some had approached Jesus with a group of children wanting Jesus to bless them, and the disciples rebuked the group. Maybe the disciples sensed the growing tension and immediacy of Jesus getting to Jerusalem. Later in chapter 10, we learn that Jesus again said that he was going to Jerusalem to die. And, yes, he said he would be buried and come back to life; but I think the disciples got stuck on the dying part and not the rest of the story.

In the tension and urgency of the moment, the disciples probably didn’t think Jesus needed to be bothered with small children. After all, they can be hard to corral. They make noise; they laugh; and sometimes seem to be off in a world of their own. And have you heard a small child tell a story? They can go on and on before they get to the point; and sometimes, they miss the point of the story. The disciples didn’t think Jesus needed any distractions or to be slowed down. We don’t know who rebuked the crowd. I have a feeling it might have been James or John, and you will see why in a minute.

Whichever disciples were involved in rebuking the adults and getting the kids out of the way created a sense of indignation in Jesus. Instead of rushing to the next thing, Jesus chose to stop and spend time with the children. He turned to the disciples and told them that whoever did not receive the kingdom of God like a child simply wouldn’t get in.

Much has been written about what Jesus meant when he said we should receive the kingdom of God like children. Purity, wonder, trust, and humility are some of the major themes that are included in a childlike faith.

Right after Jesus blessed the children, he was approached by a rich young man who wanted to know what it would take to receive eternal life. Jesus asked a couple questions, and the young man knew his scriptures and answered correctly. Jesus told him that he lacked one thing; he told the young man to sell everything and give to the poor and then come and follow him. The man just couldn’t let go and walked away from Jesus.

I have been a youth minister, have raised four children, and have eight grandchildren. Not one of the kids I have known and loved is perfect. And in a given moment, I have seen children cling to their toys and not want to share. But I have also seen many moments where, when asked lovingly, the children opened their hands and offered whatever they had to others. I don’t know if the rich young man heard or saw Jesus with the children before he had his conversation with Jesus, but I am guessing not.

A little later, James and John cornered Jesus. With the children and the rich young man out of the picture, these two disciples pulled Jesus into a conversation that started like this:

“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

Now if someone comes at you that way, what is your likely response? You would be a little nervous about what is wanted, I suspect. Jesus wasn’t rattled and asked them, “What do you want me to do for you?” Their answer indicated that they weren’t paying attention when Jesus was talking to the children or the rich man. This was their request, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”

Jesus went on to explain that they didn’t have any idea what they were asking because if they did, they would realize that the glory Jesus would receive had a cost much more than they understood or could endure. They protested that they could handle it.

In the middle of this conversation, the other 10 realized what James and John were doing trying to elevate themselves and secure the inside track and positions of honor in the kingdom of God. Mark then shares that the ten other disciples began to become indignant with James and John. I suspect things got a little heated, and Mark chose not to share the specifics of this incident.

Jesus chose to turn this situation into a teaching moment. He basically told the 12 that his kingdom didn’t look or work like their current cultural, political, or religious systems. The core value in his kingdom was service over greatness. In fact, he basically told them that greatness equals servanthood in the kingdom of God. Being first is not and is never the goal.

I will admit that my exasperation or irritation lately has been about how many who follow Jesus think that exerting power or control is the Christian thing to do. No where in scripture are Christians called to be in charge. In fact, if I am reading this text correctly, to follow Jesus means we are to be more like the children Jesus blessed, to do what the young rich man believed he couldn’t do, and to surrender our power and control by choosing to serve others. Then, we will see no indignation from Jesus. And honestly, we will probably feel a lot less indignation ourselves.

No wonder the disciples and the crowds wondered if they had what it takes to be a follower of Jesus. Apparently, it means surrendering everything. As we consider the suffering, the ridicule, and crucifixion of Jesus this week, may we renew our commitment to him as we release all that we are and all that we have into his hands.

Father, we are amazed that you sent Jesus to earth to pay the debt of our sin. Thank you. Today, we choose childlike faith. While we cannot fully comprehend all that you have done for us, we choose to trust you completely. We surrender our will to you and ask that you use us for your glory. We release our time and all that you have blessed us with and ask that you use it for your purposes. We trust you to meet every need we have. In Jesus name, Amen

Your Time with God’s Word
Mark 10:13-45 ESV

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash
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