Unless You Become...

Unless You Become…

(The Jesus Diary Continues)

Jesus was speaking to a group of families, complete with children of all ages, who came with their parents so he could bless them and cure their ailments. Some of the kids brought their pets: cats and dogs and birds and even a few goats. Jesus seemed especially thrilled to see them and their pets.

Peter, however, was concerned. He felt there were more important problems for Jesus to deal with rather than playing with the kids. He thought it would be a good idea to get the kids out of the way. Judas agreed, and the two apostles tried to take control of the situation.

Jesus, on the other hand, was having the time of his life. He had three kids on his lap and another two or three hanging on him. A few more were jumping up and down, eager to get their turn. A shy little girl handed him a bunch of flowers and said "I picked these for you, Jesus. I love you." He thanked her and blessed her. She ran off grinning.

He was laughing uproariously at their childlike enthusiasm and affection. He readily bestowed his blessing on them. He even blessed the pets, and a laugh went up when a kitten curled up in his lap. A puppy waddled up and started licking his feet. He petted them both with obvious pleasure.

But people were not pleased with Peter and Judas attempting to shoo their children away. Kids began crying. "I wanna be with Jesus!" sobbed one. "He's a nice man," said another. "Why don'tcha just leave us alone?" said one dad, a large man, almost as burly as Peter. Frightened, the kitten hopped off Jesus' lap and scampered away, the puppy close behind.

Jesus was in the midst of a most un-godlike giggle when he became aware of what was going on. "Whoa, wait a minute!" he said. "Leave the kids alone! I like them." There was a sudden silence. Jesus broke the tension with a large grin and open arms, visibly inviting the children to come back to him.

They came rushing and soon engulfed him with hugs and laughter. Peter and Judas threw up their hands in frustration.

From what I could see, nobody was having more fun than Jesus. He was like a little kid himself, laughing and joking with the children. Well, he had been a little kid once. I clearly remembered an evening long ago when I first glimpsed a very special child in Bethlehem. I was proud of myself for having made the effort to keep an eye on him, and even more proud of the handsome and personable young man that he had become.

When the kids and Jesus were obviously worn out, he became serious. Much of the crowd had left, but there were still a few of us who remained, along with the disciples. As usual he had a few words for them. And as usual, his words were about faith.

"Did you see those little children?" he asked, still grinning from ear to ear. "Did you see their faith and how easily and naturally they expressed their love?" He chuckled softly, as if remembering something particularly funny, and then looked directly at the two apostles who wanted to break up the party.

He wagged his finger playfully but then turned serious as he said, "I assure you, unless you become like these little children there will be no place for you in my father's house." I wasn't sure what he was getting at, but I noticed a few sheepish looks on the faces of the apostles, especially Peter and Judas. They knew what he was talking about. They had heard this story before.

"Look at their faith," he continued. "Their innocence and simplicity, and how naturally they express their affection. When they go to bed at night they are not filled with the worries of the world as you are. In the morning they are eager to start the new day. They love life and believe that things will turn out well for them. They enjoy simple pleasures, their cats and dogs and toys.

"Let their childlike faith be an example for you. You should try to be like them. Those who have the faith of children will be the first to enter my father's house, and will be closest to him."

I thought of my own situation: the cares of business and family, and how often I had let these concerns complicate my life, lessening the enjoyment of God's bounty. How often I failed to realize that he was in control and to put my cares into his hands. I blushed when I realized how little I had learned despite all the time I spent listening to Jesus and seeing him in action. Would I ever learn?

Jesus did not deliver this advice like a harsh criticism or reprimand. Rather, he spoke softly, encouragingly; he sounded almost like a tutor with especially promising young scholars. His message, as always, was one of belief and trust. Then he burst out laughing again: "Those kids are great. I just love 'em."

(This article is adapted from The Jesus Diary, by Dave Mishur. It is available at Amazon and other online retailers and can be ordered at any bookstore.)