Being told to be like children would have been surprising or even shocking to the disciples. In the ancient world children occupied a very different place than children do in our society. Unlike today’s culture, children were not catered to as an important consumer group. They were completely under the authority of the men in their family. They had no legal rights or special protection under the law.
Although parents in that time undoubtedly loved their children, the belief in their culture was that children’s feelings and needs were definitely subordinate to the needs and plan of adults. A child’s main duty was to fulfil their parents’ wishes. Although we have different ideas and customs about family life and the best way to live, there is still truth here that applies to our life. Children are dependent on their parents. Jesus wants us to acknowledge our dependence on our heavenly Father. Not in an irresponsible way that cripples us but in being able to give up control of the things that are God’s prerogative. He wants us to accept that we are not self-sufficient in this life. We need the help and grace and love of God all through our lives. When we forget this we make it hard for God’s love to reach us. When children have good parents they can trust them even if things are not always the way they want them to be. So too we need to trust God and his love and plan for us even when we don’t understand the current circumstances.
Children are not as set in their ways as adults are and are open to being guided and formed by those they love. We also must be willing to be formed by God. All of these things encourage us to be the servant that trusts God and does not insist on having the highest status because we are secure in God’s love and trust his purpose for us and for the world.
Peace
Mary