Child Like Faith and Service: Mark 9:36-37
“36) Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “37) Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”” Mark 9:36-37
Only Mark includes this incident of taking a child to illustrate servanthood leadership. When the whole context of Mark chapter nine is kept in mind, there is some question if Jesus was trying to illustrate childlike faith or pure devotion to Christ. Maybe both fit the context.
No matter, His object lesson was powerful. We often complicate both faith and service. Human reason gets in the way of our faith and self pride gets in the way of our service.
We have much to learn from children. I have a six year old grandson in Peru, South America who prays with simple unwavering faith. Adults are baffled by the mountains God moves when He prays. The stories are amazing.
At the same time, he lifts up Jesus and not himself. His worship Is equally as pure and unassuming. He has zero doubt about the existence, power, goodness or love of God.
He is a delight. It is very easy to receive him because there is no question about his simple but pure sincerity. As adults we often complicate things.
The journey to spiritual maturity sets its focus on childlike faith and service. I yearn to take God at His Word without inner debate and trust Him without being double minded.
Receiving Jesus and the Father is that simple. We need not wrestle with science, naturalism, humanism or various views of theology. We simply need to take God at His Word.
Remember, this chapter began with Peter, James and John with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, while the nine who remained behind were embroiled in a theological argument with the Scribes. (Mark 9:14) For the nine, it seemed to have a negative effect on their childlike faith.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“36) Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “37) Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”” Mark 9:36-37
Only Mark includes this incident of taking a child to illustrate servanthood leadership. When the whole context of Mark chapter nine is kept in mind, there is some question if Jesus was trying to illustrate childlike faith or pure devotion to Christ. Maybe both fit the context.
No matter, His object lesson was powerful. We often complicate both faith and service. Human reason gets in the way of our faith and self pride gets in the way of our service.
We have much to learn from children. I have a six year old grandson in Peru, South America who prays with simple unwavering faith. Adults are baffled by the mountains God moves when He prays. The stories are amazing.
At the same time, he lifts up Jesus and not himself. His worship Is equally as pure and unassuming. He has zero doubt about the existence, power, goodness or love of God.
He is a delight. It is very easy to receive him because there is no question about his simple but pure sincerity. As adults we often complicate things.
The journey to spiritual maturity sets its focus on childlike faith and service. I yearn to take God at His Word without inner debate and trust Him without being double minded.
Receiving Jesus and the Father is that simple. We need not wrestle with science, naturalism, humanism or various views of theology. We simply need to take God at His Word.
Remember, this chapter began with Peter, James and John with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, while the nine who remained behind were embroiled in a theological argument with the Scribes. (Mark 9:14) For the nine, it seemed to have a negative effect on their childlike faith.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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