Episode
Longing to Be Loved
- Podcast
- Grace for All
- Published
- Apr 22, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 326
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://graceforall.captivate.fm/episode/4-22
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Summary
Mark 10:14-16 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Children can be a blessing, a burden, a joy, and a challenge all at the same time. Children can be innocent, open, and loving. They can be cruel, immature, and thoughtless. When Jesus says that we must "receive the kingdom of God as little children or we will never enter it," which qualities of a child does he have in mind? I have often contemplated what this passage might mean, but I cannot claim to know what the answer is. As I write this today, my best attempt to understand Jesus' command is the childlike quality of "longing to be loved" and accepting comfort and security. As we grow and mature, at least in progression of age if not in emotion and behavior, the qualities we develop are to take on responsibility and attempt to control our interactions with life's circumstances and those around us. But in these verses, all the children seek is to be close to Jesus. They long to be near him. And perhaps it is as simple as that. If we compare these two stages of life, what is it we most value in children that we are not finding in adults? Being open to what is happening around us and loving in the moment, finding joy, sharing in sadness, helping without feeling put out, and simply being are qualities I admire in children. They do not feel the need to control and shape. They simply are. When I see a child's face light up in wonder, run into a mother's arms, or invite another to share in an experience, this is when I fe…