A Child’s Portion

By Doug Redford 

If you’ve ever seen Walt Disney’s classic movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, you’ve seen the wicked queen stand before her mirror and ask that famous question, “Mirror, mirror on the wall; who’s the fairest of them all?” And upon hearing that she is not the fairest—that another, Snow White, is—the queen becomes enraged and vows she will put an end to this rival. 

In the Gospels we read about Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples. One day those disciples came to Jesus with a question that we might paraphrase as follows: “Master, Master hear our call; who’s the greatest of them all?” Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus’ answer did not leave the disciples enraged and filled with bitterness. In fact, their reaction is not recorded, but one can figure they were rather shocked to think that Jesus would call their attention to a child and say, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). 

In our society, most children can’t wait to reach adulthood. In many amusement parks, the entryways to many rides include signs that say, “You must be this tall to ride this ride.” Children have to measure themselves against the measuring line to see if they qualify to ride that ride. Smaller children long for the day when they can rise above the line and get on a certain ride. 

Many fast-food restaurants offer a “kid’s meal,” with the choices and portions especially tailored to children. Here at Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, what we’re about to receive for this “supper” isn’t much—a small cup of juice and a very small portion of bread. Perhaps we could call it a child’s portion, a “kid’s meal.” It reminds us every Lord’s Day that we come before this table only by the gracious invitation of our heavenly Father.

Whether we’ve been followers of Jesus for 6 days, 6 years, or 60 years, we are all children gathered before our Father in worship. And it isn’t whether we rise “above the line” that allows us entry into the kingdom of heaven; it’s always a matter of staying “below the line” . . . remaining as children. 

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come. 

Author: Doug Redford

Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.