But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:14-16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv14-16):

• The title for this division per the commentary is "We Should Learn from Children About the Kingdom of God." 
• "There is something about a child that is essential for entrance into the kingdom of God. It is not their innocence, for they are not innocent! They are little sinners just like we are big sinners. Nor is it their purity or that they are sweet. Again, they are sinners with Adam and Eve’s and your and my DNA running throughout their being. Still, for some reason, Jesus says children are a better example of how to enter the kingdom than are adults. “We tell children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves after the children” (Wiersbe, Be Diligent, 99)!"   
• "Children are helpless. Their lives are in the hands of another. Yet, even at a tender age, they seem to be filled with hope and expectation. They don’t know all they need, but they know they need the help of another, and they are hopeful they will receive it."  
• "Jesus says the kingdom of God is received not earned. It is received like a little child, or it is not received at all. By their display of trust and absolute dependence on another, children point the way to entrance into God’s kingdom."  
• "Jesus picked up the children. What a picture of amazing gospel grace! He is tender and affectionate to those who bring nothing to Him but their need. He even “laid His hands on them and blessed them.”...He picked up and held these children, spoke a word of blessing over them, and attached high value to their intrinsic worth."

Children assume a posture of humility by nature.  Adults can assume this posture through humility - in my view of the greatest themes in scripture.  First and foremost we must understand that God is in control of all the details in the universe and we are in His hands, completely dependent on Him for everything....and for believers this of course includes our own salvation and faith.  Apart from God we can do nothing - see John 15:5.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is all powerful and in control of every aspect of my life yet at the same time full of grace, mercy, and love - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.