Luke 18:15–17
Childlike dependence qualifies one for the kingdom.
15 They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
Childlike dependence qualifies one for the kingdom.
To demonstrate that the kingdom belongs to those who receive it with humble dependence rather than self-sufficient confidence.
Following the parable of the tax collector (18:9–14), this scene illustrates practical humility and anticipates the rich ruler’s failure (18:18–30) to receive the kingdom childlike.
Persistent Faith, Humble Mercy, and the King on the Road to Jerusalem
The kingdom is received by persistent, humble, dependent, surrendered faith in the Son of David who goes to Jerusalem to suffer, rise, and give sight to the blind.