You Must Be This Big

Roller Coasters and Bounce Houses

You’ve seen the signs. You know, the ones that limit the size of those who can enter. There are the ones at amusement parks that keep kids out. They read something like, “You must be this tall to ride.”

Then there are the signs we see hanging outside the ball pit at Chuck E. Cheese or an inflatable bounce house. They make it clear to adults to keep out! 

Heaven’s Entrance Requirements

Ever wonder if there’s something like one of these hanging on the pearly gates of heaven? Is there a minimum requirement for entry? You know, does Peter give you a Bible quiz as some sort entrance exam? The way most churches talk, you would certainly think so.

Oh, there’s limited entry alright. But get this. Jesus says it’s just the other way around. According to what He says in Mark’s Gospel, only those who receive God’s kingdom with a childlike faith are getting in (Mk 10:13-16). 

A Little Kid’s Faith Is a Really Big Deal

We find this story in two of the other biographies of Jesus (Mt 19:13-15; Lk 18:15-17). You gotta figure anytime God makes sure to include the same story three times, it must be a big deal!

Apparently a little kid’s faith is a really big deal in the eyes of God. 

Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem

We pick up the action in John Mark’s bio of Jesus somewhere east of the Jordan River (Mk 10:1) as He begins His journey to Jerusalem and His date with destiny on a Roman cross.

Who Is He REALLY?

In the first few chapters of the second Gospel, we see folks continually trying to get a handle on this radical Rabbi from Nazareth. I mean, have you seen the things He’s doing?!? Have you heard what He’s saying?!? Who is He REALLY?Oh, there are plenty of guesses.

Eventually, Peter, the leader of His handpicked team of disciples, puts the pieces of the puzzle together. “You are the Messiah” (Mk 8:27). In Matthew’s version of this same story, he adds Pete’s very important second point that Jesus is “the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). 

Connecting those divine dots are a really big deal. That means not only is Jesus the long-awaited Hero from heaven, but God Himself has personally come to do the job Himself!

Not Who You’re Expecting

We then read how the Lord attempts to unpack that mind-blowing reality to His team. He makes it clear that He’s NOT the sort of Messiah people are expecting. He’ll be on the business end of rejection, torture, and even murder.

Christ tries to tell the Twelve that He WILL die…but get this…He won’t stay dead! After three days in the grave, He promises to march right out of the cemetery better than before (Mk 8:31; 9:32).

Painting a Landscape of God’s Kingdom

Sandwiched between these is a crazy mountaintop meetup (Mk 9:2-8). Jesus takes three members of His leadership team with Him and then pulls back the curtain of His glory. But wait there’s more! Moses and Elijah show up. To top it all off, God the Father gives His Son the ultimate “attaboy!”

After revealing His identity as Messiah and Son of God, the Lord begins unpacking what this all means for His followers. Much of it centers on painting a beautiful landscape of what He calls the “Kingdom of God” (Mk 1:45; 4:11, 26, 30; 9:1, 47; 10:14-15, 23-24; 12:34; 14:25; 15:43).

Valedictorians and Five-Star Recruits

Here in Mark 10, Jesus spells out the entrance requirements to God’s kingdom. That’s something we all need to know. What’s the cost to get in? Is it limited to who you know? Do I need a certain minimum test score and GPA? Is God only looking for valedictorians and five-star recruits?

The answer is going to blow your mind. It’s nothing like you probably think. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. And unlike the recent college admissions scandal, you can’t game the system by greasing a few palms. 

A Pop-Up Meet-and-Greet

It all begins when parents turn our Savior’s appearance into a pop-up meet-and-greet and bless-a-thon for their kids. “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch them and bless them” (v13).

Mark describes these little ones with the Greek word παιδιον/paidion. It means a little child, toddler, infant, and even a baby. The term normally indicates a child below the age of puberty. It’s almost always a term of endearment.

As a matter of fact, Luke more specifically points out that a some of these children are actually newborns when he uses the word βρεφος/brephos (Lk 18:15). Could the good doctor have included pediatrics as part of his practice? 

Little Kids Play a Big Part

If you’ve been following along in Mark, you’ve probably notice that little kids are a BIG part of Jesus’ story. It all begins when Christ brings Jairus’ baby girl back from the dead (Mk 5:22-24, 35-43).

Along the way to J Man’s house, the Son of God calls a desperate woman “daughter” as He stops her years of bleeding (Mk 5:34). A little later, He drives the demon from the daughter of the Syrophonecian woman (Mk 7:25-30).

On the way back from hanging out with Moses and Elijah, Jesus drives a demon out of a young boy (Mk 9:14-29). He uses a little boy as a way to describe how people should receive Jesus and His message (Mk 9:33-37). Christ makes it clear that He has a zero tolerance policy for any kind of child abuse (Mk 9:42).

The Savior’s Security Detail

So in chapter ten, it certainly makes sense that these moms and dads want His blessing on their kids. For heaven’s sake, have you seen some of the crazy miracles He’s pulling off? Who wouldn’t want Jesus to share a little of His supernatural something-something on your children?

There’s just one problem. Actually twelve of them. Jesus’ closest followers. “But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering Him” (v13). The boys apparently see themselves as some sort of security detail for our Savior.

Stop It Right Now…OR ELSE!

Mark’s choice of words here is important. The verb “scolded” (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitmao) means to rebuke, reprimand, warn, and even threaten. It’s not just politely asking someone to stop. The scolder is making sure the scoldee knows he means business. Stop it right here, right now…OR ELSE!

It’s how the Lord stops the storm on the Sea of Galilee when “He rebuked (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitmao) the wind and…waves” (Mk 4:39). Guess what. The storm stopped in Galilean second!

Limiting Who Gets Close to the Lord

When Jesus says He’s come to die, Pete pulls Him aside, looks Him in the eye and “reprimanded (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitmao) Him” (Mk 8:32). The Lord wastes no time and “reprimanded (Gr. επιτιμαω/epitmao) Peter” right back and even calls Him “Satan” (Mk 8:33). FYI, you’re not having your best day when Jesus accuses you of being the devil.

Clearly Jesus’ crew thinks these kids are an annoying distraction. In their view, Christ has WAY more important things to do than waste His time with your snot nosed brats. Like the sign outside the roller coaster, they’ve taken it upon themselves to limit who gets close to the Lord.

NOT Religious Superheroes

The boys have got all wrong. “When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with His disciples” (v14). Just another in the long list of times the Son of God can’t believe His closest followers get it wrong.

A lot of us grew up putting the disciples on pedestals. We even drop “Saint” in front of their names like they’re religious superheroes like the Avengers. Hate to burst your bubble, boys and girls. 

The Original Dirty Dozen

More often than not, these knuckleheads are the original Dirty Dozen. A ragtag team of misfits Jesus selected to change the world.

The disciples are garden variety guys, just like you and me. There’s nothing special about them…of course, other than the One they’re following. That’s because they’re NOT the point of the story. 

THE Hero Of THE Story

We need remember that when we read God’s Word, there’s only one Hero. Jesus. From page one to the exciting conclusion, our Savior is the whole point. He’s THE Hero of THE story!

In a little chat with Jewish power brokers, the Lord says just that. “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to Me!” (Jn 5:39). FYI, the only Scriptures they had at the time were documents of what we now call the Old Testament. 

Keeping Kids away from Christ

With that in mind, you can imagine how Jesus gets more than annoyed at the boys from time to time. This would be one of them. When Christ sees them keeping kids away, He is not a happy camper.

He’s not disappointed. He’s not mildly annoyed. He’s mad. We know because John Mark carefully selects the Greek verb αγανακτεω/aganakteo, which means to be indignant and feel exasperated. He’s ticked. Riled up. 

Bring ‘em on!

Here’s a little tip. Don’t stop people from trying to meet Jesus and get His blessing! It doesn’t matter who it is. Kids. Adults. Seniors. Even teenagers. As we’re about to find out, God welcomes anybody into His kingdom when their trust in Him meets His standards. 

Instead, Christ says when it comes to kids, bring ‘em on!! “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them!” (v14). That’s because He sees children as just as important as grownups. 

While most adults view them as annoyance, not our Savior. He knows they’re made in God’s image and equally worthy of His love. Kids actually have a special place in Jesus’ heart as well as His Dad’s kingdom.

Previously on the Gospel of Mark

Not buying what I’m selling? Then you probably need to take a quick look back what we’ve just read in the chapter before. Think of it as a one of those recaps you see when you’re binge-watching on Netflix. “Previously on the Gospel of Mark.”

Christ says greeting kids is equal to greeting not just Him but His Father too. “Whoever welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me welcomes not only Me but also My Father who sent Me” (Mk 9:36-37).

Swimming in Cement Shoes

A little later, the Lord warns that anyone who hurts a little one who trusts in Him would prefer to go swimming in cement shoes than face what He will do to them. 

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck” (Mk 9:42). I think He’s made Himself perfectly clear.

A Divine Playground

In a world that has little use for children, Jesus turns everything upside down. Then again, maybe He’s actually turning the universe rightside up once and for all. “For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children” (v14).

Uh oh. The Son of God says the grownups have got it all wrong. If you think the heavenly kingdom is some sort of exclusive adults-only resort or no-kids-allowed country club, think again! Instead, it sure sounds like more like a divine playground.

The Truth Tells the Truth

Just to make sure we don’t miss His point, Christ takes it a step further. “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (v15).

Did you catch that little phrase at the beginning? “I tell you the truth” (v15). No, that doesn’t mean the Lord has been lying up till this point. Not possible. He can’t lie (Num 23:19; 1Sam 15:29; Heb 6:18). If we want the truth we can count on the one who is THE Truth (Jn 14:6). 

Dropping a Truth Bomb

This is little ditty appears a grand total of 77 times in the Scriptures. And 76 times, Jesus is the one who says it in one of the four Gospels. Thirty in Matthew. Thirteen in Mark. Eight in Luke. Twenty-five in John. 

It’s a First Century way of letting somebody know here’s the bottom line. Cut to the chase. Here’s the big idea. Take this to the bank. Count on it. Pay attention to what comes next. He’s about to sum it all up for you.

This is the Lord’s way warning folks that He’s about to drop a truth bomb. Y’all might want step back. 

A Fast Pass into God’s Kingdom

Now that He has our full attention, He lets it fly. “Anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (v15). When His Dad offers kids’ only fast pass into His kingdom, what’s our reaction?

Unwrapping Your Presents

Picture yourself at your birthday party. They’ve sung you the song. You’ve blown out the candles. You’ve eaten some cake and ice cream. It’s time to open your gifts. 

The first one…the really BIG one…is from God. Do you calmly unfold the wrapping paper off His present like you’re going to use it again? (Come on, people. If you use wrapping paper a second time, you’ve got problems.) 

Or do you tear into it with paper flying and can’t wait to see what He’s given you? Let ‘er rip, baby!! Paul encourages us to show our appreciation for what He’s given us. “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” (2Cor 9:15).

“Hey, You Kids! Get off My Lawn!”

Maybe receiving God’s kingdom like a child is the reason so many more people place their trust in Jesus when they’re young. Believing in who He is and what He’s done gets harder as we get older. We think we’ve got it all figured out. I mean who REALLY needs a Savior?

We allegedly “grow up,” but do we really? As we get older, many of us become jaded. Our hearts grow hard. We’re set in our ways. Nobody can tell us anything. Before you know it, instead of encouraging children in their faith, we’re yelling at them. “Hey you kids, get off my lawn!”

Growing up or Growing away?

Instead of receiving God’s amazing gift with childlike excitement, we wonder why we need Him. Grace? Who needs grace? That’s kids’ stuff.The crazy thing is, it IS kids’ stuff!

We think we’re growing up when in reality we’re growing away. As in away from Jesus. And that’s NOT a good thing. That’s why a little kid’s faith is a really big deal in the eyes of God.

Asking an Expert

To help me wrap my brain around this idea, I went to an expert. My lovely bride is a nanny. I like to call her a professional grandma. She’s around preschool kids all day long. Some would argue she goes home to one as well!

What she loves about little children is how they trust her so easily and unconditionally. They believe she will protect them and she only wants what’s best for them. They totally trust her with all the details.

Our Generous Heavenly Dad

Shouldn’t having a childlike faith in God look a lot like that? A bunch of us sing about having a Heavenly Dad who’s a “good, good Father,” but do we really believe that? Do we trust that He loves us, will protect us, and only want what’s best for us?

Jesus’ kid brother James writes that every single bit of goodness in our lives “is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens” (James 1:17). He’s incredibly generous with His kids.

The Deep End of the Doctrinal Pool

Here’s where this really hits home for me. I love me some theology. I geek out over the original Greek. I’m all about diving into the deep end of the doctrinal pool. But do I do that done with the heart of a child?

God’s Kingdom Is a Bounce House

Let me put it another way. Picture God’s kingdom like a bounce house in the front yard at a four-year-old’s birthday party. I’m more likely to look at it and wonder how much it cost, what it’s made of, how much air pressure does it take, and how many kids can safely jump on it.

Jesus’ words I read here in Mark 10 are His way of telling me not to worry about all that. Forget about the details. He’s inviting me to kick off my shoes and jump on in! 

Childlike, Not Childish

Now don’t get me wrong. The Lord wants His kids to be childlike, NOT childish. There’s a big difference. Paul makes it clear, “When I grew up, I put away childish things” (1Cor 13:11).

That’s the apostle’s way of saying there will come day to move out of your parents’ basement, ditch the Star Wars sheets, and stop sleeping in till the crack of lunch. 

Adulting as a Follower of Jesus

But adulting as a follower of Jesus actually means depending on Him like a child, obeying what He says, and going where He leads. Drop the intellectual pride. Be teachable. Be humble. 

Climbing all over Christ

John Mark wraps up the story with an awesome picture of the Lord and truckload of little ones. “Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them” (v16).

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t see this as some sort of calm and dignified moment with the Messiah. Can’t you see these kids climbing all over Christ? It’s as much a fun Royal Rumble with the King of Kings than some flannelgraph picture on the Sunday school bulletin board.

There’s all sorts of physical contact. He takes them in His arms. He puts His hands on their heads. He holds them. He hugs them. He blesses them with God’s goodness. 

For Kids Only

Notice what you don’t see? There’s no requirement to being big enough or old enough to climb on. Access to Jesus doesn’t require presenting your seminary degree. 

Seems to me we’ve made the mistake of hanging signs in our churches requiring a certain level of spiritual maturity in order to get close to Christ. The Lord certainly doesn’t demand any. As a matter of fact, He says just the opposite.

Welcome into God’s kingdom. Check the sign beside the door. For kids only. A little kid’s faith is a really big deal in the eyes of God.

©2019

Jay Jennings