Scripture to Read: Luke 18:16-17
God showed us yesterday that everyone is welcome to come to Christ; therefore, we must continually invite everyone to humbly come before Christ, surrender to Him, and receive all He has to offer them. God had Luke share this in Luke 18:16–17, “But Jesus called for them, saying, ‘Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’” Jesus had to lovingly correct the disciples. While the disciples thought they were doing the right thing, Jesus told them that all children were welcome and that each of them matters in God’s kingdom. Jesus wanted them and everyone else to understand that no one should be hindered from coming to Him and that no one should be treated as too small, weak, or unworthy to come. Jesus reiterated the point that God’s kingdom is received by people with childlike humility and faith. God’s kingdom can never be accessed by people who think they can earn their way there. This teaching is so important because every false religion teaches that God’s kingdom is only reachable by man’s good works, man’s qualifying qualities, and his spiritual resume. But true life in Christ can only be found when someone stops trying to control, impress, or qualify themselves. Entering God’s kingdom has never been about status or achievement. God the Father, through Christ our Lord, welcomes those who are humble of heart and repentant.
Challenge & Application
Why did Jesus have to lovingly correct the disciples, and what do you learn from His loving rebuke?
How are you sharing Christ with others and helping them see that Christ welcomes all who humbly come before His throne of grace?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!