Empty Hands and Childlike Faith
We've all heard sermons attempting to explain what Jesus really meant by "childlike faith." They can focus on children's innocence, their wide-eyed wonder, or their unquestioning trust. Or they can the exact opposite direction, expounding on children's constant question-asking, skepticism, and need to understand the world.
I think each of these interpretations probably contain kernels of truth. But I also don't think that the way Luke talks about "accepting the kingdom of God like a child" is some unknowable mystery.
In Luke 18, we find two stories placed side by side - and in Scripture, placement matters. First, Jesus declares that anyone who doesn't receive God's kingdom like a little child will never enter it.
15 People were bringing babies to Jesus so that he would bless them. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. 16 Then Jesus called them to him and said, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children.17 I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.”
Shortly after, a wealthy ruler approaches Jesus asking how to inherit the life of the age (often translated "eternal life"). These stories aren't randomly juxtaposed. They're meant to help interpret each other.
The Rich Ruler's Heavy Hands
The rich ruler approaches Jesus with impressive spiritual credentials. He's kept all the commandments since childhood. If he's to believed, that's no small feat. Yet Jesus identifies the one thing he lacks: "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Luke 18:22).
The ruler walks away very sad (Greek: perilypos, literally translated "encircled with grief") because he has great wealth. His hands are too full to receive what Jesus offers.
How Children Enter the Kingdom
Now consider how a child would have been viewed in first-century Palestine. Children owned nothing. They had no property rights, no inheritance until their parents died, no ability to accumulate wealth. When a child entered anywhere, they entered empty-handed, and completed dependent on their parents' resources.
I wonder if this is the connection Luke wants us to see. The kingdom of God must be received like a child—not primarily because children are innocent or trusting (though they can be), but because children come with empty hands.
The Upside-Down Economy of God's Kingdom
Jesus consistently taught that God's kingdom operates by a different economic logic than human kingdoms:
- "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20)
- "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:25)
- "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out" (Luke 12:33)
The kingdom of God cannot be earned, achieved, or purchased. It can only be received as a gift. And you cannot receive a gift if your hands are already full.
Beyond Material Wealth
While Jesus addressed literal wealth in his conversation with the ruler, the principle extends beyond material possessions. We can clutch tightly to:
- Our reputation and social standing
- Our carefully constructed religious identity
- Our political power and influence
- Our intellectual achievements
- Our moral superiority
All of these can become impediments to receiving God's kingdom if we refuse to open our hands and let them go.
Learning from Children
Children in Jesus' day (and often still today) lived in a state of radical dependence. They relied on others for food, shelter, clothing, and protection. They couldn't accumulate wealth or status. Their very survival depended on receiving what was given to them.
This is the posture Jesus calls us to adopt - not childish naivety, but childlike receptivity. Empty hands held open to receive what can only come as a gift.
The Challenge for Modern Readers
This message remains deeply challenging for contemporary readers, especially in wealthy nations. We live in a culture that celebrates self-sufficiency, achievement, and accumulation. The idea of voluntary dispossession runs counter to everything we're taught about success and security.
Yet Jesus' words stand: we must receive the kingdom like a child—empty-handed, dependent, ready to receive rather than grasp.