Embracing Childlike Faith: The Heart of God's Kingdom
Summary
Today’s focus is on the profound value God places on children and the call for all believers to embrace a childlike posture before Him. Reflecting on Luke 18, we see Jesus pausing His ministry—miracles, teachings, and all—to welcome children, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. This is not a mere sentimental gesture; it’s a radical statement about the heart of God and the nature of His kingdom. Children, in their vulnerability and dependence, are not a distraction from “real” ministry—they are at the very center of God’s attention. If Jesus Himself prioritized children, then as a church, we must examine whether our actions and attitudes reflect that same priority.
This means more than just tolerating the presence of kids in our gatherings. It’s about actively valuing them, supporting parents, and recognizing that a noisy sanctuary is a sign of life and future. Too often, the most challenging areas to find volunteers are in the nursery or kids’ ministry, revealing a disconnect between what we say we value and how we serve. Yet, when we serve children, we participate in the very work Jesus modeled—welcoming, blessing, and making space for the next generation to encounter Him.
But Jesus’ words go even deeper. He calls us not only to welcome children but to become like them. The difference between a child and an adolescent is striking: children are utterly dependent, trusting, and unashamed of their need. As we grow, we often trade that dependence for self-sufficiency, striving to solve our problems and prove our worth through what we do. Yet, Jesus insists that only those who receive the kingdom like a child—fully dependent, humble, and trusting—will enter it. Our spiritual maturity is not measured by independence, but by our willingness to lay down pride and rest in God’s care.
We are not called “human doings,” but “human beings.” Before we serve, lead, or accomplish, we must first learn to simply be—beloved children, dependent on our Father. This is the invitation: to surrender striving, embrace dependence, and welcome both the children among us and the child within us into the presence of Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Children are central to God’s kingdom, not peripheral. Jesus stopped everything to welcome them, showing that their presence and participation are vital to the life of the church. Our willingness to serve, support, and celebrate children reflects our alignment with the heart of God. [42:53]
- The way we treat families with young children reveals much about our church’s priorities. Instead of judging or shaming parents for noisy or restless kids, we should honor their effort and create a culture of grace. A lively, sometimes messy sanctuary is a sign of a church that is alive and generationally minded. [48:31]
- True spiritual maturity is marked by dependence, not independence. Like infants who cannot survive without their parents, we are called to rely wholly on God, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Our growth in Christ is a journey deeper into trust, not self-sufficiency. [51:10]
- Serving in “hidden” or less glamorous ministries, like nursery or kids’ church, is a tangible way to embody Christ’s values. When we invest in children, we are investing in the future of the church and participating in the very ministry Jesus prioritized. Our willingness to serve where it’s most needed is a test of our discipleship. [45:12]
- The invitation to “be” rather than “do” is a call to rest in our identity as God’s beloved children. Before we strive to accomplish or prove ourselves, we are invited to sit at Jesus’ feet, receive His love, and let our doing flow from our being. This posture of surrender and trust is the foundation of a fruitful Christian life. [56:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Gratitude for Volunteers and Church Family
[04:45] - Prayer for Openness and Expectation
[07:00] - The Power and Impact of Church Camp
[12:30] - Generational Language and Connecting with Youth
[15:40] - Introduction to Luke 18: The Value of Children
[18:44] - Jesus Welcomes the Children
[20:28] - The Disciples’ Misunderstanding
[22:53] - Children at the Center of God’s Kingdom
[23:54] - Practical Ways We Value Children
[25:12] - The Challenge of Serving in Kids’ Ministry
[27:22] - Supporting Parents and Embracing Messiness
[28:31] - A Noisy Sanctuary is a Healthy Sanctuary
[31:10] - Becoming Like Children: Dependence vs. Independence
[36:10] - Surrendering Striving for Trust
[40:00] - Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Welcoming Children and Becoming Childlike”
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 18:15-17
People were bringing infants to him so that he might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
- Psalm 127:3-5
Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth. Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
- John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 18:15-17, what was Jesus’ response when the disciples tried to keep children away from Him? What reason did He give for welcoming them?
[[38:44]]
2. According to Psalm 127, how does God view children? What imagery is used to describe them?
[[43:54]]
3. In the sermon, what practical examples were given about how churches sometimes treat children and families with young kids?
[[48:31]]
4. What does Jesus say is required to “receive the kingdom of God”?
[[38:44]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus stopped everything He was doing to welcome children, even when others thought it was a distraction? What does this reveal about God’s priorities?
[[42:53]]
2. The sermon mentions that “a noisy sanctuary is a good sanctuary.” What does this mean about the kind of church culture Jesus wants us to have?
[[48:31]]
3. What is the difference between being “childlike” and being “childish” in our faith? How does this relate to dependence on God?
[[51:10]]
4. Why is it often difficult for people to serve in kids’ ministry or nursery, and what does our willingness (or reluctance) say about our values as a church?
[[45:12]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about your own attitude toward children in church. Are there times when you’ve seen kids as a distraction rather than a blessing? How could you shift your perspective to align more with Jesus’ heart?
[[42:53]]
2. If you are a parent, what are some ways the church community could better support you? If you’re not a parent, what is one practical thing you could do to encourage or help a family with young children?
[[48:31]]
3. The sermon challenges us to serve in “hidden” or less glamorous ministries, like nursery or kids’ church. What holds you back from serving in these areas? Is there a step you feel prompted to take?
[[45:12]]
4. Jesus says we must receive the kingdom “like a child”—with dependence, humility, and trust. In what areas of your life are you tempted to be self-sufficient instead of dependent on God? What would it look like to surrender those areas this week?
[[51:10]]
5. The pastor said, “We are not called ‘human doings,’ but ‘human beings.’” Are there ways you’ve been trying to prove your worth to God or others by what you do? How can you practice simply “being” God’s beloved child this week?
[[56:10]]
6. When you see a parent struggling with a noisy or restless child at church, what is your first reaction? How could you intentionally show grace and encouragement instead of judgment?
[[48:31]]
7. Is there a specific way you can help make your church a more welcoming place for children and families? What is one action you could take this month to put this into practice?
[[45:12]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help your group value children as He does, to grow in childlike trust, and to serve with humility and love.
Devotional
Day 1: Children Matter Deeply to God
Children are not just the future of the church—they are precious to God right now, and Jesus Himself made time to welcome, bless, and value them even when others saw them as a distraction. The way we treat and prioritize children in our church reflects our understanding of God’s heart; when we make space for them, serve them, and celebrate their presence, we are aligning ourselves with the priorities of Christ. Let us remember that a noisy sanctuary is a sign of life and growth, and that every effort to bring children to Jesus is honored by Him. [42:53]
Luke 18:15-17 (ESV)
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Reflection: How can you tangibly show that children matter to God in your church or community this week—perhaps by encouraging a parent, volunteering, or simply welcoming the noise and energy of kids in worship?
Day 2: Serving Children Reflects God’s Heart
Serving in children’s ministry, nursery, or supporting young families is not just a task to be filled but a sacred opportunity to partner with God in shaping lives. When we step up to care for children, we are participating in God’s reward and heritage, investing in the next generation, and embodying the love and value that God places on every child. Even when it feels inconvenient or outside our comfort zone, our willingness to serve is a direct response to God’s call to cherish and nurture His little ones. [45:12]
Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV)
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve or support children or young families in your church this month, even if it stretches you?
Day 3: Embracing Childlike Dependence on God
True discipleship means becoming like a child—not in immaturity, but in wholehearted dependence, trust, and humility before God. Just as a young child cannot survive on their own and relies completely on their parents, we are called to lay down our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing that we cannot do life or faith on our own. Jesus invites us to receive the kingdom with open hands and hearts, trusting Him fully rather than striving in our own strength. [48:31]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV)
And he 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: In what area of your life are you trying to “do it yourself” instead of depending on God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Day 4: Letting Go of Judgment and Welcoming Families
It is easy to become frustrated or judgmental when children are noisy or disruptive in church, but Jesus calls us to a different response—one of grace, welcome, and encouragement. Instead of casting disapproving glances or making parents feel unwelcome, we are invited to applaud their effort, support them, and create a church culture where families feel loved and included. A church that welcomes children and their parents with open arms is a church that reflects the heart of Christ. [47:22]
Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Reflection: How can you intentionally encourage or support a parent or family in your church this week, especially if you notice them struggling or feeling out of place?
Day 5: Being Before Doing—Resting in Your Identity as God’s Child
Before we strive to serve, achieve, or prove ourselves, God calls us to simply be—resting in our identity as beloved sons and daughters. Our worth is not found in our accomplishments or busyness, but in being adopted into God’s family and sitting at His feet. When we learn to be with God, to receive His love and grace, our doing flows naturally from our being, and we find freedom from the pressure to earn His approval. [53:00]
Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV)
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Reflection: Are you finding your value in what you do for God, or in who you are as His child? Take time today to simply be with God, receiving His love without striving.
Quotes
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