Childlike Faith meets Adult Responsibility

“Jesus called a child over and had the child stand near him. Then he said:
 I promise you this. If you don't change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-4

Matthew 18 does not speak of all children but a particular child and a particular attitude. Proverbs 20:11 says “even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right.” The attitude that Jesus was promoting was one of humility, and I would add vulnerability. I am sure that there were children with other attitudes in that crowd. Children full of pride, there to mock even as some of their adult counterparts. Jesus request was not a complicated one for the child to fulfill nor is are his commands hard for us today. He says 'come' to all who are heavy burdened 'come'. Some are not heavy burdened with problems but with toys. To those he says 'follow me' but the riches of this world are too much to give up for those who love their stuff more than they love God. However, some do come and others have followed. They have embraced faith like that child and then were given adult responsibilities.

In Matthew 19 the Apostle Peter says these words. “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” “So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Now this promise of thrones is particular to the Apostles however the scriptures also say that if we are faithful in few things we will be placed in charge of many things. Matthew 25:23. Let the Lord determine what those things are. He knows how me made you and how he fashioned you. He knows your gifts and talents. He knows the indispensable place he wants to give you in this world and in the kingdom to come. Sometimes you just have to stand up and be an object lesson for Jesus.