"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:15)
Like a Child
I've read and heard many -- contradictory -- interpretations of what Jesus meant. Scholars and pastors run wild with the child analogy Jesus used. I understand. It is tempting to talk up children's innocence, spontaneity, eagerness, or joy.
And children are amazing -- gifts from God -- but Jesus' wasn't praising a virtue he saw in children. As someone once said, "There are two types of people in the world. Those who think mankind is essentially good at the core, and those who have a toddler."
Jesus wasn't saying that you will get the kingdom if you are sweet enough, joyful enough, or innocent enough. He wasn't preaching works-based righteousness in any way.
A Comparison
Instead, Jesus was making a comparison. Some people receive the kingdom. They receive it because they receive things like children receive things. The keyword is "receive." How do children receive things?
They receive everything. It takes years for them to begin earning. Childhood is a season of receiving. You receive your home, clothing, food, and shelter. You receive love, education, and help. The adult world exists to keep you alive. You have no money to offer. Your relationships aren't reciprocal. It is understood, you will be cared for, you are loved. You can only say thank you with cuteness. So you receive.
Receive vs. Achieve
People in the kingdom are like children in that they know it must be received. You cannot achieve the kingdom. It isn't given on merit. You can't earn righteousness. It is all of grace, all of God's gift.
Absolutely dependent, we receive and enjoy God's kingdom. Humbly -- all because of and by God's grace -- we must receive. Jesus said:
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Empty Hands
I grew up in a believing home and had an idyllic childhood. A time came, however, when I turned from God and went my own way. You likely wouldn't be all that moved if I told you the tales of my rebellion. We have many more impressive pre-Christ stories around Calvary. But, for me, it was bad. I was given so much, knew of the Lord's goodness, and had no excuse. Still, I ran from him.
And when my time came, when the Holy Spirit chased me down and convinced me the love of God was greater than the sin I was clinging onto, I was broken. I had nothing to offer. Nothing in my hands could I bring.
At that point, I learned the meaning of the following:
... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith... (Romans 3:23–25)
And, by faith, I received God's satisfaction and righteousness and love and acceptance. Jesus won it for me. And he won it for you. Like a child, receive it.