What is it to “receive the Kingdom of God like a little child?”

 

Mr. M.—What is it to “receive the Kingdom of God like a little child?”

Mr. R.—Well, I do not believe in a little child being an innocent thing. I think it means that we are to receive it in all our need and helplessness. A little child is the most dependent thing on earth. All its resources are in its parents’ love: all it can do is to cry; and its necessities explain the meaning to the mother’s heart.

If we interpret its language, it means: “Mother, wash me; I cannot wash myself. Mother, clothe me; I am naked, and cannot clothe myself. Mother, feed me; I cannot feed myself. Mother, carry me; I cannot walk.” 

It is written, “A mother may forget her sucking child; yet will not I forget thee.” This it is to receive the Kingdom of God as a little child—to come to Jesus in our helplessness and say: “Lord Jesus, wash me!” “Clothe me!” “Feed me!” “Carry me!” “Save me, Lord, or I perish.”

Moody