Simon Says Week 6: Becoming Like a Child
Date: February 15, 2026
Key Passage: John 13
In this week’s sermon, we delve into the profound and transformative message of becoming like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven. Pastor Chris takes us on a journey through various “unless” statements made by Jesus, highlighting the necessity of childlike faith and dependence on God.
The Significance of Questions
Life is filled with questions, both trivial and profound. Among the most significant is the question posed by the Philippian jailer: “What must I do to be saved?” This question, echoed throughout the sermon, points to the heart of Christian faith: belief in Jesus Christ as the pathway to salvation.
Jesus’ “Unless” Statements
Pastor Chris explores several critical statements by Jesus that outline the conditions for entering God’s kingdom:
- John 3:3: “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” This emphasizes the necessity of spiritual rebirth, a transformation that only God can initiate.
- Matthew 5:20: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” This highlights the impossibility of achieving salvation through human effort alone, as true righteousness comes from God.
- Matthew 18:3: “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Here, Jesus calls for a childlike transformation, a personal decision to trust and depend on God.
The Upper Room Lesson
In John 13, Jesus provides a powerful object lesson during the Last Supper. As He washes the disciples’ feet, He demonstrates humility and service, actions that symbolize the cleansing power of His impending sacrifice. Peter’s initial resistance to Jesus washing his feet is met with another “unless” statement: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
This interaction underscores the necessity of allowing Jesus to cleanse us, representing the broader spiritual truth that we must allow God to do what we cannot do for ourselves.
Embracing Childlike Faith
The sermon concludes by urging believers to embrace a childlike posture towards God. This involves:
- Humility: Acknowledging our limitations and need for God’s intervention.
- Trust: Placing unwavering faith in God’s promises and His ability to save.
- Dependence: Recognizing that our salvation and spiritual growth are reliant on God’s grace.
Conclusion
The call to become like a child is not merely about entering the kingdom of heaven but also about thriving within it. Believers are encouraged to remain dependent on God, continually seeking His guidance and provision.
In closing, Pastor Chris invites those who have yet to place their faith in Jesus to do so with childlike trust, embracing the simplicity and profundity of the Gospel message: Jesus did for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
For further reflection, consider reading John 13 and meditating on the humility and love demonstrated by Jesus. Let us strive to live with the childlike faith that opens the door to God’s eternal kingdom.