Infants Abiding in Jesus
Living in the Spirit of Jesus sure beats living in the world with all it’s uncertainty, deception and fears. To live securely in the Spirit of Jesus is a life at peace and filled with joy each day. To moment by moment experience the love and goodness of Jesus’ presence. This is the life each believer lives as they acknowledge and abide in Jesus.
We have reflected on the fact that because of Yahweh’s holiness believers should live in holiness. We have meditated on the eternal hope which drives each believer to live a holy life. This life of love, holiness and hope rests upon our faith in Him and His faithfulness to His Word.
We have heard sermons and lessons on faith and are familiar with the well known verses related to the topic.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
“for we walk by faith, not by sight—“ 2 Corinthians 5:7
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
We know about faith, but what does it look like? Jesus talked about it a lot and was insistent that His followers live by faith as others had who are mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11. But we get a clearer picture of what a life of faith is like from an incident found in Mark 10. Jesus is approached by parents who desire Him to touch and bless their small children.
“And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.’ And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.” Mark 10:13-16
The same account is found in Luke 18.
“And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.” Luke 18:15
Upon meditating on this story in the life of Jesus we realize that Jesus is telling those who would follow Him that they will never enter into the Kingdom of God except by having faith like a little helpless child who is innocent of the ways and deception of the world. When talking about entering into heaven both Mark and Luke use the Greek word, paidion; a young child:, for little children. But when Luke introduces the story he states that these little children are in fact infants by using the Greek word, brephos; an unborn or a newborn child:
A newborn is totally dependent on their parents. They have certain qualities of trust which in order for a person to enter into the Kingdom of Yahweh they must possess. Qualities which with age we can lose.
Their trust is unwavering
Their willingness is undeterred
Their loyalty is unquestioning
Their love is unconditional
Jesus says that if we love Him, we will trust and obey Him. Let us live today by faith abiding in His Spirit as a newborn infant.
Because Jesus loves us,
Bro. Hugh Folds
Matthew 6:33
