Childlike Faith

Jesus makes reference to his disciples needing to become like children both in the context of humility and in the context of faith. In Matthew 18, the disciples questioned Jesus about who was greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus responded that in order to be great, that they needed to become like children. In other chapters, his reference is to them becoming the youngest or becoming a servant.

“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). In each instance, Jesus was teaching that intellectualism and our adult reasoning cannot get us into heaven. Jesus was constantly at odds with the religious leaders of his time.

The Pharisees and Sadducees were high priests who interpreted the religious laws of their times. These men were well educated and knew the scriptures and the laws of the Old Testament. How then did they miss the coming of the Messiah? They not only doubted who Jesus said he was, but orchestrated his crucifixion.

We cannot fit faith into logic and reasoning and sometimes faith will sound like foolishness. I am not encouraging us to abandon common sense and the exercise of wisdom. What I am saying is that very often, faith comes in direct conflict with our intellect.

As we mature into adulthood, lifetime experiences, disappointments and dissatisfaction can erode our faith. Children are impressionable and it does not take a lot of evidence for them to be convinced. Physical and emotional maturity is important, but let us also grow in Christlike maturity, to be able to accept that whatever God says is true. Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

A.P.-Y.