LUKE 18:15-17
15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
MARK 10:13-15
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
MATTHEW 18:2-4
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
MATTHEW 19:13-14
13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
In these scriptures, Jesus is talking about children in the physical sense first, and then relates these children to us in a spiritual sense as an example for us to follow. So let's explore what it is that we are to do to follow this example, since Jesus makes it plain that this is the only way to enter the kingdom of God.
First, to become His spiritual children, we must humble ourselves. We must repent of our sins. Much as a child sorrowfully comes to his or her father when they want forgivness of something they have done, we must go to our Father in Heaven and ask for forgiveness for the sins we have done.
Second, we must ask Jesus to be our Savior. We must realize that only through Jesus' blood (crucifixion) and Grace, can we be saved from the spiritual death of sin.
Third, we must be converted. This third step is sometimes looked over, or not made in a permanent way. We must convert, or change the way we live. We must "let go" of our worldly ways and "grab hold" to the ways of God. Then, and only then, can we be the children of God.
In closing, I would like to leave you with this additional thought. Once you have become a child of God's, it is important to be, and remain, obedient.
1 PETER 1:13-16
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY.
These things I leave with you in Jesus' name, AMEN.
