ARE YOU A CHILD OR CHILDISH?

Mark 10:13-16

Theme: The Servant’s Doctrine

Key verse: v.15

52 verses; 1218 words

Grade level: 4.7

1. Teaching on Marriage. vs.1-12

2. Receiving the Children. vs.13-16

3. Warning the Wealthy. vs.17-31

4. Preaching the Gospel. vs.32-34

5. Teaching the Disciples. vs.33-45

6. Healing the Blind. vs.46-52

Here are four INTERACTIONS we see that teaches us why we must become like a child.

I. The Rebuke of the Parents. V.13

What they did. V.13a

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:

What they got. V.13b

and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

II. The Reception of the Problem. V.14

Jesus assesses the problem. V.14a

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,

Jesus addresses the problem. V.14b

Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Deuteronomy 1:39 (AV)

Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

Romans 5:13 (AV)

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

When the law of God written in the conscience begins to take effect, it accuses that child of sin (Rom. 2:15), and the older that kid gets, the longer the list of accusations against him becomes. He becomes counted as a sinner under the wrath of God and an enemy of Him (Rom. 5:8–10).

III. The Reminder of the Pattern. V.15

Total dependence is accepted. V.15a

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child,

If you want God to love you like He does the “little children,” then you had better “receive the kingdom of God as a little child” (vs. 15) by receiving the New Birth (John 3:3–7) through faith in Christ (John 3:15–16).

Total damnation is rejected. V.15b

he shall not enter therein.

IV. The Reward of the Prince. V.16

As a child you get protected. V.16a

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them,

As a child you get directed. V.16b

and blessed them.

Conclusion:

The only time the Bible says Jesus “rejoiced” was over God the Father hiding some things “from the wise and prudent” and revealing “them unto babes” (Luke 10:21). So if you want salvation and revelation from God, you have to humble yourself to the level of a child.