Shalom,
As we are about to enter the second month of 2022, we can see proof of God's provision and goodness upon us. Therefore, there is no reason for us not to be faithful to Him.
What is the proof of His provision? Through His Word, He gives us "food" for our spiritual growth. As mentioned in the Bible, here are two figures that were opposite in terms of response and manner in welcoming the Kingdom of God:
- Judas Iscariot, who for three and a half years was taught by Jesus himself, enjoyed the blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven through the presence of Jesus on earth at that time. Having been with Jesus for quite a long time, Judas Iscariot should have been able to understand the meaning of the Kingdom of God. Yet it turned out that from the beginning of his discipleship to Jesus, he never really believed. Deep in his heart, he rejected the presence of the Kingdom of God through Jesus, his Teacher, although he was chosen to be a treasurer (John 12:6). And Jesus even called him “a devil” (John 6:70-71).
Clearly, the time you spent following Jesus does not automatically make you a believer. The next figure is diametrically opposed to Judas. Who is he?
- He was a criminal who was hung next to In duration of only ± 2-3 hours, he believed in Jesus with his heart and he also believed in the coming Kingdom of Heaven (Luke 23:40-43) after hearing Jesus' brief sermon on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (v. 34).
Apparently, welcoming the Kingdom of God has nothing to do with how long we become Christians, our wealth, our intelligence, etc. It merely depends on the heart that is willing to believe in God. Proof? The criminal next to Jesus did not hear God's Word every day as His disciples did. Contrary to Judas Iscariot who always followed Jesus wherever He went, he believed in Jesus.
Now, we will learn further about the citizens of the Kingdom of God that Jesus desires, taken from Luke 18:15-30. Why should we welcome God's Kingdom with a believing heart?
- Because understanding the Kingdom of God is very simple (vv. 15-17).
“….Let the little children ([infants] come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Jesus plainly stated that the kingdom of God belonged to the little children. That means, the Kingdom of God is so simple – it does not require a high IQ – to be understood. And in the same way a child simply believes in God, so must we.
Bearing the Imago Dei (image of God, or in likeness of God) curiosity is hardwired into God- created man which gave birth to various branches of science that then led to specialization in their respective fields. An expert in one field of study does not naturally master other fields of study. The achievement of secular knowledge requires a high level of intelligence and intelectual ability. Nevertheless, little children can fully receive the Kingdom of God which is often incomprehensible by human mind.
The news of the Kingdom—regarding the further future—can be grasped by faith, just like the little children who were brought to Jesus. That's why Jesus was indignant when He saw his disciples, who had been taught about the kingdom of God, forbade the little children to come that He might touch them and bless them.
There are two ironies found in verse 15:
- Simple laymen understood very well that the Kingdom of God had come in and through Jesus They wanted their children to know Him.
- As clergy, the disciples only saw the kingdom as something political and Jesus was only considered as the reigning king; and He should not be touched and approached by just Thus, they rebuked and even tried to turn away those who brought their children near Jesus.
Evidently the Kingdom of God is not only for adults.
Then, in verse 16 there was a very monumental and revolutionary event:
- Firstly, it was monumental because there was a special calling for God wanted them to draw closer to Him. They approached Jesus without any suspicion but with a sincere heart.
- Secondly, it was revolutionary because it was not common in that day to involve children in a religious gathering since children were viewed as a
We must welcome the Kingdom of God with a noble attitude although it is very simple to understand. It is not only for those who can understand verbal language perfectly. It can also be delivered through the language of touch as performed by Jesus. The language of the Kingdom of God is the language of love that relates to salvation. It should be felt by all living beings including babies in the womb, special needs children, the disabled and even people with mental health issues.
How can little children and infants understand about the Kingdom of God that has come in Jesus Christ? Through their parents. Children trust their parents with their hearts. So, when parents bring their children to Jesus, they would follow. They know their parents will not lead them to the wrong person.
Pay attention to this, fear of strangers is very common for toddlers. They are terrified of new people and they will detach themselves from people they are not familiar with. But they will immediately recognize even the slightest gentle caress from their parents. Jesus did not lure the little children with anything so they would come to Him. Seeing His face and hearing His voice (with the help of parents), they felt comfortable near Him. On the other hand, most of us (adults), who have been polluted with the ups and downs of life, education and experience, are often suspicious of the Word of God when it exhorts, admonishes and corrects us. Because we have been cheated on and hurt by others, we—subconsciously—are also suspicious of God. Correspondingly, we reject the Word—we are even furious—when being reminded to forgive those who have hurt us. Suspicious nature has existed since Adam-Eve fell into sin even though the message of the Kingdom of God is never intended to harm us.
Aside from the fact that young children are not prejudiced, they are sincere and honest. When we drip lemon squeeze or honey on a child’s mouth, we will notice a certain reaction through his or her face. Unlike adults—what is said is not what is felt—out of our mouths come sweet words but we bank anger and bitterness deep down in our hearts.
Parents should bring their children from early age (even babies who still cannot walk) to church gatherings. And preachers and pastors should not hinder or make it difficult for them to know God, erroneously assuming that they are too young or it is over their heads or they will weaken spiritual intensity in church meetings. Not higher education nor science gain us entry into the Kingdom of God.
- Because we cannot buy the Kingdom of God (vv. 18-27).
There was a rich young ruler asking Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life. He thought he had done all the commandments since his youth. Really? When Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give to the poor and follow Jesus, he grieved and walked away.
Jesus’ statement, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” has become a scourge for the wealthy Christians. Rich man is mentioned 309 times in the bible. So, God does not hate the rich. Rather, He wants to show His great love toward them. Here, Jesus’ saying was intended to the disciples and Jewish leaders who knew a lot about God’s commandments. Their hearts should have abounded with gratitude. Now, the question is what kind of rich man that cannot enter the Kingdom of God? Let’s take a look at Simon, a sorcerer from Samaria. When he saw the Holy Spirit was given through the laying hands of the apostle, he offered them money. He wanted to perform the same miracles and signs. Peter warned him that he would perish with his money because he thought the gift of God could be purchased with money (Acts 8:14-20). The bottom line is that Simon was wrong not because he had money but because he wanted to misuse the money to buy God's spiritual gift.
What didn’t the rich young ruler anticipate about the kingdom of God?
- He cannot earn the kingdom of God with good deeds.
He thought his good deeds mattered to enter the Kingdom. It’s inconceivable that a ruler with such knowledge regarding religious issues clung to the notion that eternity or the entry to the Kingdom of God could be obtained by doing good. Unfortunately, such mentality is very common among churchmen nowadays that they say, “Do good, you go to heaven.”
Yet Jesus wanted to overhaul his mentality and mindset using spiral logic. He used implied hints to convey His intended meaning. When he called Him “Good Teacher”, Jesus replied, “No one is good, but One, that is God”. He wanted to set him straight on this issue: He was not only a good Teacher but also a good God. In addition, Jesus wanted to correct his heart because he thought that he was as good as God or Jesus by keeping the law. For the Israelites, keeping the law was the highest moral superiority.
He thought that Jesus would praise him but Jesus’ response to his know-it-all manner came as a bolt from the blue. What was wrong with his saying? First, let’s recall the gist of the law: (1) you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and (2) love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). It is evident from his answer that this man only loved himself. He did not even love the poor. He thought he could buy the Kingdom of God with his good deeds.
If that so, why bother doing good? We do good—we worship, we take part in ministry, we help others in need—not to earn salvation but as a token of our gratitude to God who has saved us and given us eternal life.
- The kingdom of God is irreplaceable.
Jesus could not be tricked by the young ruler’s seemingly good deeds. His law-keeping act did not come from his heart, but merely human regulations. He kept his eyes from committing adultery but his heart loved Mammon—wealth—which is idolatry. He did not kill with his hands but his miserliness had killed poor people around him. He did not steal with his hands but he claimed God-given possession as his own. He did not lie with his mouth but with his heart—wanting to earn eternal life but did not want to part with his abundant riches.
Jesus does not forbid people to be rich but their hearts must be free from any bond with this world's treasures.
Are we ready to welcome the Kingdom of God? Prepare sincere and honest hearts to receive Jesus and His Kingdom. Don’t be attached to worldly possessions because we cannot buy the Kingdom with our riches and this Kingdom is irreplaceable. Never ever let go of the precious salvation and the eternal kingdom of God promised to us who are faithful to Him until Maranatha. Amen.