March 28 | Kingdom
Read Mark 10:13-31
“Like a child.” This is how Jesus says we enter into the Kingdom. A lot of ink has been spilled contemplating the meanings of these words.
One theologian suggests that “like a child” means helpless. These little children were not valued by society. In that day, childhood was seen often as the unavoidable inconvenience before the “usefulness” of adulthood.
Here Jesus is combating the world’s ideal of “value” with the reality of life in His Kingdom. In the world, people are valued because of what they can produce. In the Kingdom of God, people are valued just because of who they are- children of God.
I love my kids just because of who they are- mine. When they were infants, they couldn’t do anything for themselves. They weren’t at all productive members of society. But I just loved them. Because they’re mine.
As you continue to reflect on your heart this Lent season, consider if there’s anything in your heart that needs to give up the idea of productivity to gain God’s love and favor.
Today, confess where you have been trying to prove your worth by what you do and ask God to help you see that you are loved, just as you are because you’re His.