How to Receive the Kingdom

Mark 10:13–14 KJV 1900

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:15–16 KJV 1900

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Introduction

Jesus will never turn away any person that comes to Him in faith. Discipleship is a choice of faith and dependence on Him alone. In this passage, we will see the example of children as how we should live by faith.

Mark was likely the first Gospel written. Under the inspiration of God, he writes with an intent to point his readers toward the Cross and the Empty Tomb. Those who read are faced with a question: who is this Jesus? All of the miracles of Jesus point to the answer that He is God Himself come as the Suffering Sacrifice for the sins of the world.

As we grow in our walk with God this year, we want to be Following in the Life of Faith. The Life of Faith begins with salvation through the Gospel and carries on toward the daily life of service to Jesus. Mark gives us the message of Jesus to all people.

Mark 1:14–15 KJV 1900

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Will you look to Jesus for your salvation today? Will you live as a faithful disciple of Him? Will you look with eagerness to His return to establish His earthly kingdom? Let’s Follow in the Life of Faith this year and see God do something amazing!

Think back to your childhood. What was one of the hardest things that you remember learning to do? Who taught you to tie your shoes? Who taught you to ride a bike? What was the name of the person from whom you learned to dribble a basketball?

The answer is probably that of an adult in your life. It might be a parent or grandparent. Regardless, you were dependent on someone else, older and more able, to teach you what you did not know. This is the same in the life of faith.

Jesus has been teaching in the area near Jericho but on the other side of Jordan. He just answered a question from the Pharisees and then taught the disciples privately in a house on marriage. After a discussion of marriage, the topic logically turned to children.

Children in this time were not well-treated or given much status in society. They were under the power of their father until they reached the age of manhood, usually around the teenage years. Yet, Jesus is going to use the position of the child as dependent on another as a picture of how we should receive the gospel and the kingdom. We are never to act as having arrived at maturity in faith because we are always dependent on another for our salvation. This is the nature of grace and the background for the passage.

Declaration

Children are invited to come to Jesus. This is the attitude of all who respond to the gospel to be humble and dependent on Him alone. Today, all are called to the good news as Jesus welcomed these children.

How can we receive the kingdom?

1. You Must Come to Jesus

Mark 10:13–14 KJV 1900

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

The Bible records that there were people who were bringing children to Jesus. The word used for children in the Luke account gives us the image of these children as being babies. We see in these first two verses that when receiving the kingdom, you must come to Jesus.

A. The Correct Action v. 13

The statement of Jesus in verse 14 is given in response to what occurs in verse 13. People are bringing children to Jesus. We are not told who these were but they probably were their parents. It was common in that time to look for a blessing for your child from a rabbi or traveling teacher. Jesus, as God Himself, is here sought after by these parents. This is the correct action today to bring children and anyone in need to Jesus.

In the parable of the wedding feast in Luke, we see that this idea of bringing people to Jesus is part of the invitation of God to those who are in need. A feast is prepared but those who are invited initially have too many other things to do to come to the feast. In response, the Lord widens the invitation to those less desirable on the outside but more needy on the inside.

Luke 14:21–22 KJV 1900

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

The children are brought to Jesus so that He will touch them. This implies that He will bless them as is seen in the story of Isaac and his blessing. Jacob and Esau are both seeking to be the one that is touched by their father so that they will receive the blessing passed down from Abraham.

The heart of these parents is in the right place and they have made it a priority to bring their children to Jesus. The best place for a family on Sunday morning is in a Bible preaching church. So many other people think that they are investing in their children by being somewhere else on Sunday, but as one person has said,

Sermon Starters, Volume 2 Second—The Objective

They drive many miles to keep their children in contact with softball. But parents seldom spend that energy and time in getting their child to Jesus.

The correct action is to bring people to Jesus for their needs to be met.

B. The Incorrect Response v. 13

The parents bring their children to Jesus. But, before they get to Jesus, someone is standing in front of them. The disciples spoke against them before they could bring them to Jesus. Spurgeon points out the sadness of this action,

The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons, Vol. XXXII Jesus and the Children (No. 1,925)

IT must be a very great sin indeed to hinder anybody from coming to Christ. He is the only way of salvation from the wrath of God, salvation from the terrible judgment that is due to sin—who would dare to keep the perishing from that way?

But how often do we by our actions keep people from coming to Jesus?

They cannot come when they don’t know to. We prevent them when we don’t tell them the gospel.

They will often not come when we live as if there is no change because we are Christians. Our sin causes people to disbelieve the Saviour.

They may not come if we do not make it easy to respond to the good news. We should present the good news clearly and freely.

The disciples are living as if they do not believe what Jesus has said. In chapter 9, we have already seen the topic of children come up. There, Jesus is pointing out that there should be a humility about those who are not desirable by their outward appearance.

Mark 9:35–37 KJV 1900

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Here, the disciples are not willing to waste the time of Jesus with those who have nothing to offer as they see it. They believe that they are protecting Jesus. Instead, they are missing the entire point of the good news of salvation.

Preaching through the Bible: Mark-John Mark 10:16

The disciples measured themselves by their manliness; Jesus taught them to measure themselves by their childlikeness.

When we do not have the right response to someone looking for help, we miss the opportunity to show the love of Jesus. There are people all around us looking for the answer to the great questions of life. There are people who cross our path looking to bring others to that which will ultimately satisfy them. But, we often are like the disciples, blind to the real meaning of salvation, the offer of heaven to all of lost mankind!

C. The Speech of the Saviour v. 14

What does Jesus say to the disciples when He sees what is happening? The passage begins not with His words but with His attitude. Here again, the compassion of Jesus is seen in the anger that He has toward those who are preventing the life-change of the gospel. Jesus was "much displeased" because they were bringing those in need to Him and the disciples "rebuked" them. Several dictionaries defined this word as “indignation”. Jesus is strongly affected by the wrong thing occuring when the right thing should have been known and lived.

In chapter 3, we saw this anger directed at the hard-hearted religious leaders. There are always those who have closed their hearts to the truth because they have chosen their own righteousness. Jesus rebuked them.

Mark 3:5 KJV 1900

And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Here, Jesus addresses His anger to the disciples who are still missing His mission. The mission of Jesus is the salvation of lost men. Those who want healing from their sin must come in faith. So, Jesus speaks to the disciples in verse 14.

Jesus asks earnestly that His disciples will allow these children to be brought to Him. The word “forbid” means to stop someone or not allow some even to occur. In other words, don’t stop those who need the truth and want to respond to the truth from receiving the truth. In our services and in our lives, we need to be as clear and as transparent as we can be so that everyone has a chance to receive the gospel.

What is the gospel? Here, the gospel is explained as “the kingdom of God.” The gospel is that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day. The gospel is that because He took our sin on the cross, we have His righteousness and will spend eternity with Him. The kingdom of God is made up of all those who have received the gospel by faith.

Mark 1:14–15 KJV 1900

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Have you confessed your sin to God? Have you received His righteousness instead of your sin? Salvation is free to all those who will come in faith to Him. He is willing to give you eternal life if you will come.

Jesus tells His disciples to allow and not stop these from coming to Him. The reason for this is that this is the same action that must be done for all that will come to the kingdom. Jesus is the only answer for the universal problem of sin.

Acts 4:10–12 KJV 1900

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

These parents were bringing their children to Jesus. The disciples rebuked them for doing so. Jesus speaks in verse 14 and points to what is most important. All those who will receive the kingdom must come to Jesus. When we are in need, we can only find that need met by Jesus.

2. You Must Choose Faith

Mark 10:15 KJV 1900

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

The second way that one receives the kingdom is that you must choose faith. Coming to Jesus is not just head knowledge. There must be a heart reliance on Him alone. Only faith results in salvation.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

In verse 15, Jesus gives the application of the illustration that the children have provided. Unless a person receives the kingdom as a little child, there is not salvation. Verses 13-14 illustrate the principle of verse 15.

How can a person receive the kingdom as a little child? A child is dependent on someone else to bring them to Jesus. A child is dependent on another for its food, shelter and care. Adults live on their own. Children live with adults to care for them.

This is the nature of the life of faith. We are dependent on God for salvation and for our sustenance. He is the Provider and the Protector of His creation. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount commands,

Matthew 7:7–11 KJV 1900

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

We must come to the Father with faith. We must believe that He is able and willing to do something for us. The child knows that his father cares about him and is the only one who can provide. Have you come to Jesus for salvation? One writer reminds us,

Matthew–Luke Mark 9:30–10:16

The power of humility resides in the fact that a humble person does not depend on his own limited strength. Rather, such a person entrusts himself to the powerful and deeply resourceful hand of God…

Verse 15 is the statement about the reception of the Gospel. Mankind must receive the kingdom by faith. There must be a trust in Jesus alone for salvation. Our works are worthless to remove our sin. His righteousness is enough to remove our sin.

Romans 3:21–23 KJV 1900

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Without faith, there is no salvation. Sin not paid for will result in eternity in Hell. The emphasis on the statement of Jesus is clear in the final phrase “he shall not enter therein.”

Have you received salvation by faith? Have you come to Jesus in faith? Have you approached the throne trusting Him to provide for your need?

Faith is Lived out in Actions

Mark 10:16 KJV 1900

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

In verse 16, Jesus loves and cares for children. He receives them and He blesses them as only He could do. Jesus is our pattern for compassion on those who are not favored in the world today. From chapter 1, we have seen Jesus caring for those who approach and ask. The leper is cleansed when he comes by faith.

Mark 1:41 KJV 1900

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

In verse 16 Jesus receives the children. He does what those who brought them desired. He will do the same for us if we will come to Him in faith. Our faith is shown in our actions. Will you believe God today? The heart of a child is a heart of humility and dependence on Him alone.

Conclusion

Children are invited to come to Jesus. This is the attitude of all who respond to the gospel to be humble and dependent on Him alone. Today, all are called to the good news as Jesus welcomed these children.

Have you received the kingdom by faith? Have you come to Jesus for the meeting of your need? The passage this morning gives us the pattern that we all should have when we need Him. We are to come to Him with a spirit of dependence and humility knowing that He is sufficient for every need.

How hard is that to live by faith? How challenging is it to approach Jesus with confidence? The answer is that it is only as hard as we allow it to be by choice. We can choose to trust and we can choose to rely on God.

We saw several weeks ago the story of the man with the demon possessed son. His prayer to Jesus must be the prayer of our hearts. We must believe and ask for help believing as we follow in the life of faith.

Mark 9:24 KJV 1900

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Will you live a life of child-like faith? Will you receive the gospel with a firm reliance on Him? He will receive you if you repent of your sin and believe on Him! Come to Him today.

One of my favorite things to watch as a child was Disney movies. Over the years, their company has made some good movies. However, recently they have chosen to focus on topics and positions that do not reflect positive values.

In addition to movies, the company has built multiple theme parks around the world. They reflect the emphasis of their founder on the imaginations of a child and their enjoyment of stories. Walt Disney is reported as saying about one of his parks,

“Here is the world of imagination, hopes, and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, the age of chivalry, magic and make-believe are reborn - and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young-in-heart, to those who that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”

For Disney, the fairy-tale idea is what reaches those that are a still a child in heart.

For Jesus, there is a different view about what makes a person a child at heart. A child is not just wishing or imagining something else. This is good but a child is dependent in reality on someone else. We all must be children at heart because we come to Him with a humble dependence on Him.

Is that your heart today? The children were received by Jesus and we will be too. Let’s come by faith believing God will do something great with our lives!