Just Love Each Other

Large, captivated crowds. People hanging on his every word – some in awe and some in anger. Rowdy children laughing, playing, complaining to mom they are bored or hungry or both. Hopeful parents pressing through the crowd desiring for this man to touch and bless their squirming child. Meanwhile the disgruntled followers of this up-and-coming leader are shooing the kids away in annoyance. But then…

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. This should excite us! What are the children like?

Well, children naturally trust people and accept differences in others. Children are teachable and eager to learn – and they are amazingly quick to forgive. But one of the most endearing and fun attributes of a child is their tendency to take things literally.

Take, for example, this workbook page completed by a precious 3-year-old. This little one knows how to cut-to-the-chase and not spend valuable time messing around with bothersome details. She listens to instructions – and does exactly what she is told.

It makes so much sense, doesn't it? This small child points us to the biblical picture of a sweet lamb following its Shepherd. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. (John 10)

Now if only we were quick to follow the clear and literal instructions of our Shepherd instead of trying to cut corners or veer off in the wrong direction – leading to a dead end.

Jesus literally means it when he says:

Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. - John 13

If we take it literally when our Shepherd says "love each other," the rest of the details will fall into place. As children who belong to his Kingdom, let’s keep striving to follow his clear and literal instructions. Love each other. We can't go wrong with that.