Embracing Childlike Faith Amid Life's Interruptions
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to share a personal story about a time I was interrupted. As a huge football fan, I was thrilled to attend an Arizona Cardinals game for my 18th birthday. However, my excitement was interrupted when a kid snatched the football gloves I was about to catch. This experience of being interrupted from something I wanted deeply resonated with me, and I believe many of us have faced similar interruptions in our lives, whether it's a job, a relationship, or other significant desires.
In Mark 10:13-16, we read about a time when Jesus was interrupted. After addressing important religious leaders about divorce, people brought children to Jesus for blessings, but the disciples rebuked them. The disciples, influenced by the cultural values of honor and shame, saw children as insignificant and unworthy of Jesus' time. However, Jesus reacted differently. He was indignant and welcomed the children, teaching that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child.
Jesus' values starkly contrast with the world's values. He values a childlike willingness to come to Him without hesitation, not caring about social status or power. This is a lesson for us today. We can be around all the right things—church, Bible study, Christian friends—yet still have misplaced values. We might fall into the trap of pride, thinking we are perfect Christians, or into shame, feeling unworthy of coming to Jesus.
The key is to approach Jesus with a childlike heart, recognizing that we have nothing to offer but ourselves. The ground at the foot of the cross is level; no one deserves Jesus' grace more or less than anyone else. This week, let's identify which category we fall into—pride or shame—and approach our daily lives with a childlike heart, free from judgment and full of grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Interruption and Desire: We all experience interruptions in life that prevent us from getting what we deeply desire. These interruptions can be as trivial as football gloves or as significant as a job or relationship. Recognizing these interruptions helps us understand that they are a part of life and can teach us valuable lessons about patience and trust in God's timing. [02:58]
2. Jesus' Values vs. Cultural Values: Jesus does not share the cultural values of honor and shame that prioritize social status and power. Instead, He values the innocence and willingness of children to come to Him without hesitation. This teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over societal expectations and norms. [07:30]
3. Childlike Faith: Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving the kingdom of God like a child, with a heart full of trust and without hesitation. This means coming to Jesus without pretense, not worrying about our worthiness or social standing, but simply seeking His presence and grace. [09:41]
4. Misplaced Values: Even those who are close to Jesus, like the disciples, can have misplaced values. We can be active in church and still miss the essence of a true relationship with Jesus. It's crucial to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is not dependent on our actions or self-righteousness but on our genuine connection with Christ. [10:36]
5. Level Ground at the Cross: The ground at the foot of the cross is level, meaning no one is more deserving of Jesus' grace than anyone else. This truth calls us to approach Jesus with humility and to extend grace to others, avoiding judgment and embracing compassion. [13:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - Personal Story: Football Gloves
[02:58] - Interruption and Desire
[04:02] - Jesus and the Children
[04:48] - Cultural Values on Children
[06:35] - Jesus' Reaction
[07:30] - Jesus' Values vs. Cultural Values
[08:23] - Childlike Faith
[09:41] - Chick-fil-A Story
[10:36] - Misplaced Values
[12:00] - Categories of Pride and Shame
[12:55] - Heart of a Child
[13:54] - Level Ground at the Cross
[15:07] - Avoiding Judgment
[16:47] - Grace and Willingness
[17:49] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 10:13-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus doing before people brought children to Him? ([04:02])
2. How did the disciples react when people brought children to Jesus, and why did they react this way? ([04:48])
3. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' rebuke of the children? ([06:35])
4. What does Jesus say about receiving the kingdom of God like a child? ([07:30])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples felt it was necessary to protect Jesus' time from the children? ([04:48])
2. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child, according to Jesus' teaching? ([07:30])
3. How do the cultural values of honor and shame contrast with Jesus' values as demonstrated in this passage? ([06:35])
4. In what ways can being around "all the right things" like church and Bible study still lead to misplaced values? ([10:36])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were interrupted from something you deeply desired. How did you handle that interruption, and what did you learn from it? ([02:58])
2. Jesus values a childlike willingness to come to Him without hesitation. What are some ways you can approach Jesus with a childlike heart this week? ([09:41])
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be prioritizing societal expectations over your relationship with Jesus. How can you shift your focus to align more with Jesus' values? ([07:30])
4. Do you find yourself falling into the category of pride or shame in your spiritual life? How can you work towards approaching Jesus with humility and grace? ([12:00])
5. The sermon mentioned that the ground at the foot of the cross is level. How can this truth influence the way you interact with others, especially those you might be tempted to judge? ([13:54])
6. Think of a specific situation where you might have judged someone instead of showing compassion. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? ([15:07])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure that your faith is not dependent on your actions or self-righteousness but on a genuine connection with Christ? ([10:36])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Life's Interruptions
Life is full of interruptions that can prevent us from achieving our deepest desires. These interruptions can range from minor inconveniences to significant life changes, such as losing a job or ending a relationship. Recognizing these interruptions helps us understand that they are a part of life and can teach us valuable lessons about patience and trust in God's timing. When we face these moments, it's essential to remember that God is in control and has a plan for us, even if it doesn't align with our immediate desires. By embracing these interruptions, we can grow in our faith and learn to rely more on God's wisdom and timing.
In Mark 10:13-16, we see how Jesus was interrupted when people brought children to Him for blessings. The disciples rebuked them, influenced by cultural values that saw children as insignificant. However, Jesus welcomed the children and taught that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This story reminds us that interruptions can be opportunities for growth and learning, and that we should approach them with a childlike heart, trusting in God's plan. [02:58]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent interruption in your life. How can you trust God's timing and plan in this situation, and what lessons might He be teaching you through it?
Day 2: Jesus' Counter-Cultural Values
Jesus' values often stand in stark contrast to the cultural values of His time and ours. While society may prioritize social status, power, and honor, Jesus values the innocence and willingness of children to come to Him without hesitation. This teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus over societal expectations and norms. In a world that often values achievement and status, Jesus calls us to a different standard—one that values humility, openness, and a heart willing to seek Him above all else.
In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus' reaction to the disciples rebuking the children highlights this contrast. The disciples, influenced by cultural values, saw the children as unworthy of Jesus' time. However, Jesus was indignant and welcomed the children, teaching that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This story challenges us to examine our own values and ensure they align with Jesus' teachings, rather than the world's standards. [07:30]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself prioritizing societal expectations over your relationship with Jesus? How can you realign your values to reflect Jesus' teachings?
Day 3: Childlike Faith
Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving the kingdom of God like a child, with a heart full of trust and without hesitation. This means coming to Jesus without pretense, not worrying about our worthiness or social standing, but simply seeking His presence and grace. A childlike faith is characterized by trust, openness, and a willingness to depend on God completely. It is not about being naive but about having a pure and sincere heart that seeks God above all else.
In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus welcomed the children and taught that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This story reminds us that our approach to Jesus should be marked by humility and trust, recognizing that we have nothing to offer but ourselves. By cultivating a childlike faith, we can experience a deeper and more authentic relationship with Jesus, free from the burdens of pride and shame. [09:41]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: What does having a childlike faith mean to you? How can you cultivate a heart of trust and openness in your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 4: Examining Misplaced Values
Even those who are close to Jesus, like the disciples, can have misplaced values. We can be active in church and still miss the essence of a true relationship with Jesus. It's crucial to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is not dependent on our actions or self-righteousness but on our genuine connection with Christ. Misplaced values can lead us to pride, thinking we are perfect Christians, or to shame, feeling unworthy of coming to Jesus.
In Mark 10:13-16, the disciples rebuked the people bringing children to Jesus, influenced by cultural values that saw children as insignificant. However, Jesus welcomed the children and taught that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This story challenges us to examine our own values and ensure they align with Jesus' teachings, rather than being influenced by pride or shame. By doing so, we can cultivate a genuine and humble relationship with Christ. [10:36]
James 4:6-7 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: Reflect on your current values and priorities. Are there areas where you might have misplaced values? How can you realign your heart to focus on a genuine relationship with Jesus?
Day 5: Level Ground at the Cross
The ground at the foot of the cross is level, meaning no one is more deserving of Jesus' grace than anyone else. This truth calls us to approach Jesus with humility and to extend grace to others, avoiding judgment and embracing compassion. Recognizing that we all stand on equal ground before Jesus helps us to see others through His eyes and to treat them with the same grace and love that we have received.
In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus welcomed the children and taught that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. This story reminds us that no one is more deserving of Jesus' grace than anyone else. By approaching Jesus with humility and extending grace to others, we can create a community marked by love, compassion, and acceptance. [13:54]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How can you extend grace and compassion to someone in your life today, recognizing that we all stand on equal ground before Jesus? What steps can you take to avoid judgment and embrace humility in your interactions with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "And maybe it wasn't as silly, even though they're really important to me. A pair of football gloves. Maybe it was something like a job that you really wanted to get. Maybe it was something like a relationship or your kid getting into a certain college. But you're interrupted from getting that thing that you wanted." [02:58] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus does not share the values of the culture. Jesus does not share the values of the culture. What's so important to the disciples, like social status and power and all these things, Jesus does not care about it all. Jesus' values are completely different. Jesus doesn't care that the children have nothing to offer." [07:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He values their willingness to go to him without hesitation. This willingness without hesitation. And Jesus demonstrates with this lesson that this is the kind of energy he wants for his followers. He wants this kind of willingness without hesitation. To not care about what other people think or care so much about the culture, the honor, and the shame. But just to go to him. That's what he cares about." [09:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The ground at the foot of the cross is level. The ground at the foot of the cross is level. And what this means is there's no one who deserves the cross more than you, and you also don't deserve the cross more than anyone else." [13:54] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's grace no matter if you've been full of pride, shame, whatever it may be. There's grace. But in order to receive that grace, we have to go to Jesus. You know, he doesn't care if you've been prideful or shameful, interrupting others. He doesn't care what you've done. But he cares that you go to him. This willingness without hesitation." [16:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "We can be coming to church every week. We can read our Bible all the time. We can be around the Christian squad. Yet, we can still have misplaced values. And I think we can fall into two categories right here. I think we can fall into really idolizing the, I am the perfect Christian. I am a life group leader. Reading my Bible all the time. I haven't said a curse word in 20 years. And all those things. Don't hear me wrong on this. All those things are very, very good." [11:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your faith becomes dependent almost on yourself. Which is the. It's the complete opposite of what we want. Or you may fall into the other category. You may fall into the, man, I've been drinking a lot lately. My mouth has been taking me all sorts of places. I just feel like I'm making mistake after mistake." [12:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have to come down here. We have to be like a child with nothing to offer. We can't go to Jesus thinking that, hey, Jesus, look at all I've done. I deserve this. I deserve your forgiveness. I deserve to be blessed. That's not the case. And the other way, when we're full of shame or not thinking we can come to Jesus, we also have to remember, hey, these children, they also had nothing to offer. And that's how Jesus wants me to come to him. That's how I can go." [13:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "They interrupt others from going to Jesus. And I think when we have these misplaced values, that's who we become. We interrupt others from coming to Jesus. We can pull the, man, my brother, you know, he's just been so wrong. He's going down this horrible life path. I just really want him to kind of up his game to go back to God before I invite him to church. You know, he needs kind of that stepping stone before I bring him in." [15:07] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But in order to receive that grace, we have to go to Jesus. You know, he doesn't care if you've been prideful or shameful, interrupting others. He doesn't care what you've done. But he cares that you go to him. This willingness without hesitation. And so my prayer for us this week is that as we would identify what category we've been in, how we have fallen short, how we've had victories lately, that we would take steps this week to have the heart of a child." [16:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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