#1231. Receive the kingdom like a child (21/2/25)

Welcome to the Come to Jesus Daily Devotional, posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as we continue our Luke: Exploring Who Jesus Is series.

From Luke 18:9-17, let’s reflect on how Jesus likens a child’s weakness and dependence to saving faith. 

You can listen to this devotional below (It’s also available on Spotify on the Community Church Putney podcast). 

People were bringing babies to Jesus.

As we read this, let’s pause to consider that we’re witnessing another example of Jesus’ heart for those often overlooked or excluded. The disciples’ rebuke reveals their belief that children weren’t worthy of Jesus’ time. Yet, time and again in Luke’s gospel, we see Jesus valuing those whom the world deems insignificant or unworthy.

Receive the Kingdom like a child.

The idea of “child-like” faith is often popularised, with many suggesting that children represent an authentic innocence or self we should rediscover. However, when Jesus speaks of receiving the kingdom of God “like a little child,” it’s crucial to move beyond sentimental interpretations and understand His true and simple meaning.

To fully grasp this teaching, we need to consider its context. Jesus’ words here build on His earlier teaching in Luke 18:9-14, where He challenges people—regardless of how good they consider themselves—to humble themselves and seek God’s mercy. He ends that passage by saying, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Here, Jesus emphasises that both the self-righteous and the openly sinful are equally in need of God’s forgiveness.

In this context, Jesus uses the example of a child to illustrate the humility needed for salvation. Children are entirely dependent—they are weak, vulnerable, and unable to provide for themselves. Similarly, we are spiritually helpless and completely dependent on God. This stands in contrast to the religious leaders of the time, who believed they could earn righteousness. Salvation, on the other hand, requires recognising our own helplessness.

This humility is vividly exemplified by the tax collector in verses 9-14, who, acknowledging his need for mercy, prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This is the essence of “child-like” faith—humble, dependent, and fully reliant on God’s grace.

Let’s bring young people to Jesus

This section also has very important lessons for parents, anyone working with children, and anyone who is concerned for the welfare of young people. Jesus wants us to bring children to Him. We do this through prayer. We do this by teaching them. We do this by exposing them to the influences of Christian teaching, music, and stories. The world, like the disciples, often ‘rebukes’ those who seek to bring young people to Jesus, but Jesus loves every effort in this regard! 

So let’s bring ourselves, in our helplessness to Jesus our Saviour, and let’s seek to bring others, including the young, to our loving Saviour who overlooks no one! 

Let’s pray together

"Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love for the unworthy and the weak. You are compassionate and gracious, full of mercy. Help me to come to You with the humility and dependence of a child, trusting You completely. Grant me the heart to bring children and young people to You, seizing every opportunity You provide. Amen."

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Note: Please make sure to allocate balanced time for the discussion, SIV, and prayer sections during your time together.

On Sunday, our message from Luke 18:9–17, titled Enter Like a Child, focused on two key passages: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, and The Little Children and Jesus. We learned that entering the Kingdom of God requires us to entirely reject any hope of saving ourselves through our own efforts. Instead, we are called to humbly— like a child— receive the gift of salvation that Jesus offers.

Please read Luke 18:9-17 and discuss: 

• Did God speak to you about anything from Sunday’s message that would encourage others? 

• How do you think this section, with its emphasis on humility and grace, complements the previous section, The Parable of the Persistent Widow?

• The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, and the section The Little Children and Jesus, both convey the same core message. What is the main idea, and how should it shape our lives?

• What does this section teach about how every member of the church, and parents in particular, should encourage and support children and young people?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• SIV - How should this section correct our attitude and expectations in regard to those whom God can bring to salvation? 

• SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and Invited’ recently?

• SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus; alternatively, pray for the ‘people of peace’ that you regularly meet with. 

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.