What Does It Mean to Have Childlike Faith? Lessons from Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler
Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when he said we must receive the kingdom of God like a little child? This powerful teaching from Mark 10 reveals a profound truth about faith, dependence, and what really matters in life.
When Children Become Our Teachers
In Mark 10, we find Jesus surrounded by children whose parents wanted them to be blessed by him. The disciples, thinking they were protecting Jesus from interruption, tried to send the children away. But Jesus had a very different response.
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He was mad. And he said to them, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, if anyone, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.” – Mark 10:14-16
Jesus wasn’t just being kind to children. He was making a theological statement. The kingdom of God belongs to those who approach it with childlike faith.
What Happens When We Grow Up?
Think back to your childhood. Remember when you accomplished something that required big faith? Maybe it was learning to ride a bike, going to camp for the first time, or climbing your first mountain. As children, we naturally trusted that someone bigger than us would help when we needed it.
But somewhere between childhood and adulthood, something changes. We start getting asked different questions: “What’s your plan? What career are you pursuing? How much money will you make? What’s your backup plan?”
These aren’t bad questions, but they reveal how our focus shifts from dependence to independence, from trust to self-reliance.
The Rich Young Ruler’s Dilemma
Right after the story about children, Mark tells us about a wealthy young man who approached Jesus with a question:
“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” – Mark 10:17
This man had everything going for him. He was moral, respectful, successful, and religious. When Jesus listed the commandments, the man confidently replied, “All of these I’ve done since I was a boy.”
But then Jesus identified the one thing standing between this man and the kingdom: “One thing you lack. Go sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.” – Mark 10:21
The man walked away sad because he had great wealth.
Is Money the Real Problem?
Jesus wasn’t saying money itself is evil. The issue wasn’t the man’s wealth. It was what he trusted in. Jesus exposed that this man trusted his wealth more than he trusted God.
Money does strange things to us as we transition to adulthood. It starts to feel like security. We slowly stop depending on God and start depending on ourselves. But Jesus teaches that anything we put our trust in above God will keep us from following him fully.
The Impossible Made Possible
Jesus then made a shocking statement: “It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:25
The disciples were stunned. In their culture, wealth meant God’s blessing. If rich people couldn’t be saved, who could?
Jesus answered with hope: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” – Mark 10:27
The kingdom of God isn’t for people who think they can handle life on their own. It’s for those who recognize their need for God.
Faith vs. Independence: What’s the Difference?
A child jumps into a pool knowing their father will catch them. Adults stand at the edge calculating risk. The difference isn’t intelligence or maturity. The difference is dependence.
Faith is not becoming childish; it’s becoming dependent again. The world tells us that adulthood means complete independence, but Jesus teaches that spiritual maturity actually means becoming more dependent on God.
Two Different Approaches to Jesus
Notice the contrast in Mark 10:
- Children came needy, seeking Jesus’ blessing
- The rich young ruler came accomplished, seeking one more instruction
One group received the kingdom; the other walked away sad. The kingdom belongs to the needy, not the self-sufficient.
What Are You Really Trusting In?
As we grow older, it’s easy to replace dependence on Jesus with dependence on accomplishments, money, status, or success. We can look successful on the outside while our hearts are owned by something other than God.
The warning is clear: don’t spend your entire life climbing ladders only to discover they were leaning against the wrong wall.
Childlike Faith in Practice
What does childlike faith look like for adults?
- Praying boldly, expecting God to work
- Believing simply in God’s promises
- Depending honestly on God’s provision
- Trusting God like a child trusts a loving father
This doesn’t mean being naive or irresponsible. It means recognizing that our ultimate security comes from God, not from what we can accumulate or achieve.
Life Application
The goal of life is not becoming a person who needs God less; it’s becoming a person who trusts him more deeply. Following Jesus will always cost you something, but it will cost you more if you depend on something else.
This week, examine what you’re really trusting in. What would be hard for you to surrender right now? What’s keeping you from having childlike faith in your heavenly Father?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I trust God the way a child trusts a loving parent?
- What am I depending on for security besides God?
- How has my faith changed since childhood – for better or worse?
- What would I need to surrender to follow Jesus more fully?
Remember, it’s never too late to return to childlike faith. God has faith in you, and he’s calling you to have faith in him – not in your achievements, your wealth, or your plans, but in his love, provision, and perfect will for your life.