13 September | EVERYONE
“But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’” Mark 10:14,15
Jericho, that morning, dawned sad and gloomy, but suddenly the city was illuminated with the arrival of the Pilgrim of Love. Wherever Jesus went, sorrows disappeared, pain was absent, and joy ignited the horizon of dying lives. That day in Jericho, the children ran into His arms. The disciples tried to restrain them, but the Master made them stop. Children, having a purer attitude than that of adults, would receive the Kingdom of heaven.
A child's virtue is not only their innocence, or purity, but above all, their dependence. Abandon, for example, a three-year-old child in the middle of the jungle with plenty of food, enough water, and a good blanket. How many days do you think they will survive? Despite the resources at their disposal, they will die in no time. A child is completely dependent. They need someone to help them. The lesson Jesus wants to teach is that to attain salvation, you need to become like a child, completely dependent on what He did for you. You cannot do it. But the Lord can. Then run into His arms like a helpless child and let him do for you what you are unable to do for yourself.
It takes time to learn this basic lesson from the Christian experience. People often believe that by presenting good works before God, they will win some points in favor of their salvation. They forget to be children and jump into the arms of Jesus, and they distract themselves by striving and struggling to fulfill a certain code of conduct, forgetting that good works are only the result of abiding in Christ.
Take Action
No matter how old you are, run to Jesus right now. Tell Him that you need Him and that you want to live with Him and for Him. Do not be afraid to look like a child, quite the opposite! Sing "As a Little Child" (if possible, with your family).