The Lord Jesus declared at once, what modern missionary experience still finds to be the case, that little children were the most likely to become His subjects, and the fittest to enter into “The Kingdom of Heaven.” Some mothers once brought their little ones for His blessing; and when the disciples were hindering their coming, “He was much displeased and said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God” (S. Mark x. 14). And not only did He declare that little children were the most suitable to become His subjects; but He said also, that those who were grown up and wished to enter His Kingdom must become like children to do so. For He added, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (S. Mark x. 15). And on another occasion He expressed His thankfulness that only child-like hearts could take in the mysteries of the Kingdom, saying, “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (S. Luke x. 21).
When we read in such passages as these of the difficulty of entering into “The Kingdom of Heaven,” it becomes very important to remember that the Kingdom was not then set up; and that the words were spoken with respect to men who had grown up under other conditions and modes of thought. For whilst the words still apply literally and exactly to the case of converts from amongst the Heathen, they are not applicable at all, in the same sense, to persons who have long ago entered “The Kingdom of Heaven” as children, and have lived under its influence. Thus, for instance, when we read that “a rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (S. Matt. xix. 23), there is no need to suppose that the rich, who have grown up as His subjects, have less hope of Heaven than others. The temptations which come with riches are great, but the grace of God will enable His subjects, whether rich or poor, to serve Him faithfully, if they seek for it. The words clearly referred to the difficulty which the rich Jew or the rich heathen would find in declaring himself a subject of Jesus Christ. It is easier for the poor and the unlearned to become a Christian, than for the rich and the learned. In after years S. Paul found this to be the case at Corinth. “Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called” (1 Cor. i. 26). And the same thing is still happening in heathen lands. The chief successes in India have been amongst the low castes of Tinnevelly, the hard-working Kols of Chota Nagpur, the simple Karens of the hills of Burma; and amongst the wealthy merchants and the learned Brahmins converts have been few. Experience confirms the truth of our Lord’s teaching. He declared beforehand, that the rich, and the learned, and those who had enjoyed the greatest privileges, would be the most unwilling to be won over to His Kingdom. And the prediction has been fulfilled.
It might have been supposed that, when at last Messiah’s Kingdom was set up, all who had enjoyed the privilege of knowing the true God, and had been taught to expect a Deliverer, as their King, would have eagerly sought admission into His Kingdom. But to one who made the remark, “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God,” He spoke the Parable of “The Great Supper,” teaching that many, who have the opportunity and the invitation will refuse to enter in, and make all kinds of excuses; and that others will have their places (S. Luke xiv. 15-24). And on another occasion He warned the Jews, that many would come from all quarters of the world, “and sit down in the Kingdom of God” (S. Luke xiii. 28, 29), whilst they themselves were thrust out. And we know how literally the warning has come true. And lest any one should be deceived into thinking that it was an easy thing to become His subject, He referred again and again to the difficulties which men must be prepared to meet and overcome in entering “The Kingdom of Heaven.” To those who said that they would follow Him, He explained that entire devotion of self to God would be required of His subjects. A man must count the cost beforehand. “The dead” must be left to “bury their dead,” whilst the man fulfils the commission which God entrusts to him, to “preach the Kingdom of God;” and “No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (S. Luke ix. 57-62). But, on the other hand, for those who gave up freely all that they loved, “for the Kingdom of God’s sake,” the reward should be “manifold more” even “in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” (S. Luke xviii. 29, 30). And He encouraged the few, who in their hearts accepted Him as their King, in such words as these, “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out” (S. John vi. 37); “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” (S. Luke xii. 32).
The thought that the difficulties thus described referred in the first instance to those who were outside of “The Kingdom of Heaven,” may well fill us with thankfulness that we have been brought into the Kingdom through the piety of our parents, without even an effort on our parts. We have been so far helped already, that we have been placed upon the narrow way that leadeth unto life; and though temptations of many kinds assail to entice us from the road, and though the difficulties of the way are great, we have the hope to encourage us, that, if we are in earnest, the grace of God the Holy Ghost will preserve us, that we may be welcomed at last as faithful subjects, and admitted into the Kingdom of Glory.
But at the same time we must remember that, in another sense, the words about the difficulty of entering “The Kingdom of Heaven” still apply to ourselves. For we have been admitted as subjects of the Kingdom, only that we may loyally serve our King; and we have been placed upon the narrow way, only that we may struggle up the steep ascent to Heaven. “The Kingdom of Heaven” is as yet in an imperfect condition here on earth. Here we are in a state of trial and probation, as well as of grace and blessing. And a day will come when the Kingdom of Grace will become the Kingdom of Glory. Then, they who have served their King, and proved themselves in the time of their trial to be His faithful soldiers and servants, will be welcomed into the joy of their Lord. But they who have professed to be His subjects, and have been satisfied with a mere profession, will cry, “Lord, Lord” (S. Matt. vii. 22-23), in vain.
Therefore, our King still cries to us, as to His hearers before the Kingdom was set up, “Strive to enter in” (S. Luke xiii. 24). He still bids us build “upon the Rock,” by being “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (S. James i. 22). And He still warns us of the dangers of riches; “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. vi. 10). For we have still to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (S. Matt. v. 13, 14). And the standard which He has set us is still, and ever will be, far above us; “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect” (S. Matt. v. 48).
The teaching of our Lord about His subjects is thus seen to correspond with what His Apostles, in time to come, taught their converts when they addressed them, as “called to be saints” (Rom. i. 7, Ephes. i. 1, etc.). We know that the world would like to find some easier course than this. But it is impossible; because the subjects of “The Kingdom of Heaven” are called that they may be ready for the life in Heaven. And “without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. xii. 14).
In subsequent chapters we shall consider the means provided by the King to enable His subjects to become such as He described them. For the present, let the thought of our holy calling increase our sense of the infinite love and mercy of our King.
Let us think of His own description of His work. “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (S. Luke xix. 10). When we were wandering in the ways of sin, ignorant of God our Father, and unfit to be admitted into our home or to enjoy it if admission were possible, He came to seek us out and bring us into His Kingdom. And now that He has “overcome the sharpness of death and opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers,” our efforts after holiness are so imperfect, and our weakness and love of wandering are so great, that we should be in despair, if our King had not taught us His unceasing care. But this He has set forth in a well-known series of Parables; first, under the figure of a shepherd finding a stray sheep and calling friends and neighbours to rejoice over its recovery; then under the figure of a woman finding the lost coin; and, lastly, under the figure of a father welcoming home his prodigal son (S. Luke xv).
Therefore, our position is this. As subjects of “The Kingdom of Heaven,” we are called, according to our Lord’s own teaching, to a high and holy life; and the more we realise this truth the greater do our imperfections appear, and the clearer becomes our sense of the need of mercy, as well as help. But the King, who thus described His subjects, has also described His enduring love; and His invitation, still and for ever, applies to all who feel their unworthiness: “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (S. Matt. xi. 28).