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Sep 28, 2014

Childlike

Passage: Matthew 18:1-4

Speaker: Rev. Vivian McCarthy, Pastor

Series: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus and Peter

Category: Discipleship

Keywords: jesus, peter, disciple, stories, childlike, curiosity, generosity, enthusiasm

Jesus teaches Peter about what it means to be childlike to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Tommy came for a visit last Sunday to celebrate his Grand Sire’s birthday. Yes, my crazy husband told us all on the day that Tommy was born that he thought Grand Sire was a suitable name for him. Of course he was just trying to keep up with my crazy father when, during a discussion of what to call my mother when Erin was born, said, “I don’t see what the problem is. The child can just call me Mr. Crouse.” Welcome to my life!

Anyway, I love to watch our grandbaby play. He is quite definite about what he wants to do. He’s funny – and he knows it. He plays full out and after a few hours of non-stop activity, he raises those little arms and wants his Nan to hold him a little until he falls asleep.

And can that kid eat! Some of you know that I often shake my head when I think about the spicy and crazy foods he likes. Kimchi – what 19 month old who hasn't a single Korean gene in his little body likes kimchi?

On Sunday, Tommy was really tired. They had been camping and he was just done. His fuse was pretty short. He didn't really want to eat. He just wanted to be left alone – and of course we all knew it. He didn't hide his feelings. It was all out there for us all to see – and hear.

I love it that Jesus scoffs when Peter says that children are naïve, innocent and harmless! Anybody who really knows kids knows that’s crazy talk. I do find it interesting that he doesn’t mention some of the less attractive qualities of children who will do anything to get their way or be first or gain attention. Perhaps he felt his purpose would be better served to focus on the qualities that might directly and positively address the disciples’ question: who gets the highest rank in the Kingdom of God?

Can’t you just see them jockeying for position? Remember James and John boldly soliciting Jesus to give them seats of honor in the Kingdom? Maybe Jesus was engaged in a bit of behavioral management with the disciples. Me first!! wasn’t what Jesus had hoped for in those closest to him – any more than it is what parents want to see in their own children. We don’t like it when they are selfish or conniving or manipulative. We want our children to be models of good behavior and citizenship. Right?

Enthusiasm. Picture our Cherub Choir two Sundays ago. They were the absolute embodiment of enthusiasm. They sang God’s praises with joy and filled this room with glory. We laughed and clapped and joined in their all-out praise of God.

What makes you want to praise like they did? When can you let go and praise God or show your own enthusiasm for the many blessings God has brought to you? How do you talk with others about your church and your faith family? Are you enthusiastic about the ministries or do you look for things to complain about?

Curiosity. How is it that our curiosity been squelched as adults? Kids just can’t stand it when there is something they see something to touch or smell or taste or try for the first time. They often ask WHY? They explore nature or something that’s colorful or makes a new noise. How much do we take at face value? When did we lose the art of asking probing questions? I’m not talking about intrusion. I’m talking about interest. “How are you? Fine.” Isn’t much of a conversation! Curiosity opens doors and shows others that you are interested in what they are interested in.

Generosity. In our drama, Jesus mentions the little boy who shared his lunch. Sadly, too many people of faith live out of a spirit of poverty rather than a spirit of abundance which is part and parcel of generosity. What makes you want to open your heart and your life? What makes you offer someone a cup of tea or a slice of cake or a loving conversation? What makes you risk opening yourself to conversation with a stranger?

And finally, trust. Most children trust adults. Trust can make them vulnerable to predators, as we all know and fear. Trust can also enable children to grow into generous and loving adults. Sometimes I worry about whether disciples in 2014 trust God enough. Can we trust God to carry us through the hard times? Can we trust God to give extravagantly – or even to consider giving a tithe? Can we trust God enough to step out in ministry in ways that are definitely not what we are used to – including risking face-to-face and hand-to-hand caring or working for needed and necessary change in the community?

Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”