Trust Him Like A Child - Luke 17-18

Luke 18:15-17 (ESV)

Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

How old were they?   Did they bring him brand new babies? Were they babies in their “terrible two’s?”   Were they toddlers who could walk but not yet run?   The Greek word used by Luke, here, is “brephos.”  It us commonly used in the Scripture to indicate an unborn child, or a baby infant.   The context of the passage, to emphasis the point Jesus is trying to make, would indicate these were infants, who had little will and no ability to care for themselves.   The pictures painted for this scene, by artist, pictures small children.  The point Jesus is making is that, like a small infant who is completely dependent upon adults, we must, too, come to Christ.  We cannot be dependent upon ourselves, be able to care for ourselves, or think we can “save” ourselves.  As I read these passages this morning, I have been watching my triplet grandsons all night.   Talk about dependent upon adults!   These three boys (8 months) are 100% dependent upon the adults in their lives.  They can do the essentials by themselves (cry and mess their diapers and smile).  But, they a limited to do anything to help themselves survive this life.   This is the point Jesus is trying to teach the disciples and the people around them.  Our spiritual life is completely dependent upon Jesus.  It is regretful that when we get older we think we can do it ourselves.  Just because we can make toast does not mean we can avail ourselves of the bread of life.   Jesus wants us to completely sit on His lap, spiritually.  Trying to do any kind of walking on our own is to fall flat like a toodler.