Spiritual Rebirth: Becoming Like a Child

“Beginnings are mysterious things: part breath, part hope, part fumble, part grace. 
Roots are perhaps the most humble of God’s creations on earth.
They require neither acknowledgment nor praise.
Their reward is reaped when the living stand upon them 
and reach for the fruit the roots made possible. “ 
-Alicia Britt Chole

“… you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Romans 8:15-16

A Nighttime Visit

Early in John’s account of Jesus’ life, a wealthy and powerful leader in the Jewish community entered the story. Nicodemus seemed mildly curious about this unconventional teacher. Clearly concerned about being seen with Him, Nicodemus arranged to meet Jesus under cover of darkness, in secret.

Bolstered by an impressive academic resume, Nicodemus met Jesus to test Him, to assess the validity of what he’d heard. As the one who initiated the meeting, he began the conversation with a safe statement of praise to give himself the advantage: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).

A Truth That Upended Everything

Unafraid, Jesus, who knew Nicodemus’s heart, shunned the shallow sentiment and replied with, “Truly, truly, I say to you …” indicating he knew Nicodemus’s words were part flattery, part test, and He was changing the subject. Jesus came to save, not debate, so He gave this highly intelligent man a new truth: “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

Nicodemus could not have been more confused. In a blink, his attempts to steer the conversation had been upended. Mystery had revealed a profound truth, but to his earthly ears it made no sense. He stood speechless for a few moments.

Why God Seeks His Children

Being “born again,” a spiritual rebirth, signals starting over in life like an infant. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record Jesus teaching fully grown adult disciples to “turn and become like children,” (Matthew 18:3) and “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” Luke. 18:17). “Becoming a child” is a theme Jesus repeated.

Why? Because God seeks His family. God identifies Himself as Father in the Old Testament, first to Pharaoh, saying, “Israel is my firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22). He then repeats this title throughout the length of Scripture. He even calls Himself “Abba” (or our Daddy) and tells us repeatedly how much He loves us, like in Jeremiah 31:3 where He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Then He sent His Son, the greatest demonstration of love, to rescue us prodigals and bring us back to Him.

Earning It vs. Receiving It

Jesus arrived to save Adam and Eve’s children, who, like our first parents, have continued to turn our backs on God to do life our own way. Even the highly religious descendants of Abraham, the Nicodemuses of the centuries, believed God’s salvation depended on one’s effort. To achieve His favor? Keep the rules. Earn it.

But becoming like a child sets aside ability and exposes where one is helpless and needy. A spiritual rebirth comes when you understand that you cannot earn God’s favor by following any rules. We must, like little children, fully depend on God to bring us into His family.

Becoming Small

Beyond our salvation, Jesus defines another dimension of “becoming a child” when He says, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). Humility pleases God because it demonstrates our need for Him every day.

A dear friend of mine, ten years older, once told me how to relate to grown-up children: “You must become small,” she said. “When your children were small babies, you were very big in their lives. You had to be or they wouldn’t have survived. Then they became capable of dressing and feeding themselves, and though it was messy you let them because you knew it was necessary for growth. 

“One day they will be grown enough to leave home for work or college or the military or a job. And on that day you must begin to get small. It’s their turn to become big in this world. It’s your turn to be small, let them make all their own decisions and mistakes, and only give advice if asked.”

Like parents who need to “become small” in order for their children to thrive, all of us are called to humble ourselves before Christ our Lord. Jesus is our King, and humility is necessary in a right and healthy relationship with the Creator of the universe. 

John the Baptist demonstrates becoming small when he said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John chose to humble himself, to become small, so others could see more of the Lamb of God. He refused to compete with Jesus. He knew God had a plan, a role for him that he must fulfill. He accepted what God had ordained. Do you think about becoming small so Jesus can shine more brightly than you? 

Growing Down to Grow Up

Mike Mason wrote, “Ironically, in the family of God, to become a little child is to have attained maturity. Spiritual growth means growth in childlikeness. To grow up is to grow down. Maturity counts, but age does not.” 

Even in becoming like a small child, Jesus sets the example. He set aside all His glory and became a microscopic cell in the womb of Mary. He began His life on earth just as we do, became a child as we did, but never sinned. He retained His innocence, His complete trust in His Father. God desires we imitate Him: “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1).

God invites us, His disciples and children, to become pure and innocent again, as He intended once upon a time in Eden. When we become truly child-like, God smiles with delight. “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great” (Luke 9:48).

Because Christ is risen!

For Eastertide reflection:

1. Above I asked, “Do you think about becoming small so Jesus can shine more brightly than you?” As I typed that question, I realized I’ve never asked this of myself. Take some time to ponder what this might mean, what changes you might need to make.

2. Unlike many adults, little children aren’t suspicious. Filled with wonder, they are exuberant and eagerly express affection to everyone without prejudice or fear. And before the age of three, most don’t yet have the cognitive ability to lie. Are there other descriptors you’d add to my list? How might you become more like a child? 

Both of these questions would make great topics for journaling!

Blessings,

Barbara

This is an excerpt from my book Remember: A Four-Week Daily Devotional for Eastertide a new devotional book I wrote that will help draw near to your savior and grow in your knowledge and appreciation of the work He did on the cross.