Scripture gives children as models for who will enter the kingdom of heaven:
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ (Mark 10:13–15)
Commenting on Jesus’ statement in this passage in Mark, biblical scholar Mark Strauss says, “The strength of the assertion may be because the statement is so counterintuitive and shocking in its cultural context. More important, it encapsulates the essence of salvation and the gospel. To receive the kingdom like a child means by faith and in complete dependence on God.”
It’s this great faith and dependence on the Lord for which David is praised in Hebrews (Heb. 11:32–33). Although his conduct as king of Israel merits mention in the “Hall of Faith,” his actions as a shepherd boy, trusting that God would enable him to shut the mouths of lions (Heb. 11:33), are also given direct reference. This same faith compels young David to represent Israel in the match against the Philistine giant, Goliath. David rejects King Saul’s armor (1 Sam. 17: 38–40), clinging instead to his confidence that God will protect him: “And David said, ‘The Lord who saved me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, He will save me from the hand of this Philistine’” (1 Sam. 17:37).
Children teach us the simplicity and humility of faith. How often do we try to add to God’s provision with our own worldly safety nets? How often do we barter with his sovereignty, trusting he’ll protect us or provide for us—but only so far? How often can we say that we bring nothing, trusting God to provide everything?
David, even as a boy, didn’t put his trust in princes or powers but in God. It’s with this faith––the faith of a child––that we enter the kingdom of heaven, not trusting in any strength of our own, but only in the name of the Lord.
