There is a fascinating episode in Jesus' life, the meaning of which has long eluded me. And though I can't claim to understand it thoroughly, I've landed on an implication.
The Gospel writer Mark puts it like this:
"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them,'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.'" [Mk. 10:13-15]
Here we see people bringing children to Jesus, and being rebuked by his disciples. Impassioned, Jesus intervenes. "Let the children come to me!" And here's the astounding part, "for to such belongs the kingdom of God."
Jesus goes on to say something that he hints at elsewhere, "whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
In Matthew's Gospel, we read that we must "turn and become like children" in order to enter the kingdom at all! [Matt. 18:3] He is calling all adults to a form of repentance!
What can this mean?
I believe Jesus is alluding to what has come to be known as "the inner child."
