Based on a sermon by Pastor Michael Leader, Beverly Hills Baptist Church, on Mark 10:13-31

Picture this: You’re standing before God tonight. He asks the question that matters most: “Why should I let you into heaven?”

What would you say?

Would you talk about your good works? Your church attendance? Your generous giving? Your savings account, ready to buy your way in?

Or would you simply say: “You’re my dad. Through Jesus, you adopted me. I’m home.”

When children don’t matter

In Genesis, we saw God as the perfect parent. Adam and Eve like children – innocent, naked, unashamed. Totally cared for by God.

Until they grew up the wrong way. Too fast. And separated from Him.

Now in Mark 10, we’re back to children. Because when we were children in Eden, we were innocent. In right relationship with God. That’s exactly how we need to be if we want relationship with Him today.

Here’s what happened: People brought their little ones to Jesus. Just for a moment of blessing. But the disciples? They rebuked them.

Before we judge the disciples too harshly, remember – they were products of their time. Children didn’t matter. They had no rights. They were ignored. Abused. Overlooked.

Jesus was a busy Rabbi. These kids weren’t even sick. Surely there were more important people waiting.

But Jesus was indignant.

“Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Then He backed up His words. Took them in His arms. Put His hands on them. Blessed them.

The attitude that children don’t matter? It stinks.

The hardest truth about getting in

Here’s the verse that unlocks everything else in this chapter:

“Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Want to enter God’s kingdom? You need to receive it like a little child.

And the defining characteristic of children? Total dependence.

Children do nothing to earn their parents’ love. Their place in the family. Even their life. They’re here because of their parents’ decision – to conceive, carry, care for them.

That’s how we need to be before God. Totally dependent.

But what does that look like in real life?

The rich man’s impossible question

A man ran up to Jesus. Fell on his knees. Called Him “Good teacher.” Asked the million-dollar question:

“What must I DO to inherit eternal life?”

Sounds good, right? Wrong.

Two glaring problems with this question.

First – the word “inherit.” You can’t DO anything to inherit something. An inheritance comes simply by being someone’s child. The more you try to earn it, the more you damage your chances of receiving it.

Second – calling Jesus “good” while missing who He really is. Only God is good. This man saw Jesus as a good teacher who’d earned God’s favor through good deeds. But Jesus was good because He WAS God.

If you’re not God, you cannot be good. Not good enough for eternal life, anyway.

Jesus played along: “You know the commandments…”

The man had kept them all since childhood. And Jesus loved him for it.

Then came the test: “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Those last four words? That’s a disciple invitation. The chance to become the 13th apostle. To join the inner circle of the most important movement in history.

One small thing stood in the way.

Everything he owned.

“At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

He loved his money more than treasure in heaven. Missed becoming one of the most important people in history because of some cash he no longer has today.

The impossible standard

Jesus looked around: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

Then the kicker: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were stunned: “Who then can be saved?”

Here’s the uncomfortable truth – we’re all rich. Every one of us in Australia sits in the world’s wealthiest 10%. We rely on our money for everything. Food. Shelter. Security.

We’re self-made. Independent. Self-reliant.

But that’s exactly the problem.

When you think like that before God – expecting entry into heaven based on what you DO – you’ll walk away sad.

Because it’s impossible.

The only way in

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

The rich man asked the wrong question. He asked what he could DO to inherit eternal life. Jesus gave him an impossible task.

He should have asked: “Jesus, is there any other way?”

Here’s the secret: There’s one way to get anyone’s inheritance. Even Elon Musk’s billions.

Adoption.

If Elon adopted me, I’d legally inherit alongside his other children. Not because of what I did. Because of what he chose to do.

The rich man should have asked: “Good Teacher – and you ARE good because you’re God – what will YOU do so I can inherit eternal life?”

Jesus would have opened Isaiah 53. Shown him how He’d be pierced for our transgressions. How by His wounds, we’d be healed. How through His death, we’d become adopted children of God.

That’s what Jesus had already shown His disciples. Anyone wanting to enter the kingdom must become like a little child. Dependent. Empty-handed. Asking God to do the impossible – adopt them as His perfect children because His perfect Son died in their place.

Notice how Jesus addresses His disciples in verse 24? “Children.”

The family business

Peter spoke up: “We have left everything to follow you!”

Not boasting. Genuinely asking – Jesus, is it worth it?

Jesus didn’t hesitate: “No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… and in the age to come, eternal life.”

What’s He promising? A new family. The church.

When you can’t afford rent, the church helps. Need a place to stay, the church opens doors. Want wise counsel or prayer, look around – there’s family everywhere.

Yes, there’ll be persecution. Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat it. But the alternative won’t give you what you’re really looking for – eternal life.

First becomes last

“Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

So back to tonight. God asks why He should let you into heaven.

Your good works? “Not good enough. Remember that time…”

Church attendance? “Sure, but what about those idle hours?”

Financial contributions? “You didn’t give everything to the poor.”

Your savings account? God doesn’t need your money.

Or would you say: “You’re my dad. Through Jesus, you adopted me. Through His blood, you washed me clean – making me, a sinner, impossibly holy. I am your child, and Father, I’m home.”

That’s the only answer that works.

Because the one thing you can’t do to get into heaven? Anything.

The kingdom belongs to those who receive it like children. Empty-handed. Totally dependent. Ready to be adopted into the family of God.

Not because of what we do.

Because of what He’s already done.