Word@Work 114 - Mark 10:13-16
Published: Wed, 04/30/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. (NIV)
Again, the disciples showed that they had not learned their lessons. Mark 9:33-37 should have taught them that child-like trust, and not arrogant adult talk, impressed Jesus. They even tried to turn away families with small children (the word used actually could be babies to pre-teens). Such 'young uns' were vulnerable to disease and death - thereby reducing the parent's prospects of their pension provision and social security. But apart from economic significance, every parent loves their child. So did Jesus!
Rebuking these parents was an outrage. Jesus had already taught about the peril of those who obstruct children coming to Him (Mark 9:42). He makes it plain once again, "let them come" ... "do not hinder". The Kingdom is not for self important religious officials (who the disciples were in danger of aping), but for all who will come and receive. He affirmed his words by reaching out to the kids, holding them and blessing them. How humiliating for the disciples - sidelined by a load of kids who wanted to receive blessing from Jesus.
Of course, this is not about putting children on a spiritual pedestal, neither to say that they are innocent (and therefore worthy of the Master's attention). They certainly were not innocent, but they did want to receive. It is only grown ups who think that they have to earn everything, or get it for themselves, somehow - kids know that they need all the help and love that they can get. Actually that is true of everybody - but the kids are often quicker to grasp goodness and truth, than cynical adults. So, let's stop making Christianity complicated, and simply explain the grace of God in Christ, and invite people to receive what He offers.
Prayer: Father God. Forgive me for making You inaccessible to my colleagues and friends. Help me to practice the message I need to speak, by coming to You each day in dependency and faith. You know I am weak - help me to realise it too. I need to trust You for everything today ... including the courage to invite people to come to Jesus. In his Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Again, the disciples showed that they had not learned their lessons. Mark 9:33-37 should have taught them that child-like trust, and not arrogant adult talk, impressed Jesus. They even tried to turn away families with small children (the word used actually could be babies to pre-teens). Such 'young uns' were vulnerable to disease and death - thereby reducing the parent's prospects of their pension provision and social security. But apart from economic significance, every parent loves their child. So did Jesus!
Rebuking these parents was an outrage. Jesus had already taught about the peril of those who obstruct children coming to Him (Mark 9:42). He makes it plain once again, "let them come" ... "do not hinder". The Kingdom is not for self important religious officials (who the disciples were in danger of aping), but for all who will come and receive. He affirmed his words by reaching out to the kids, holding them and blessing them. How humiliating for the disciples - sidelined by a load of kids who wanted to receive blessing from Jesus.
Of course, this is not about putting children on a spiritual pedestal, neither to say that they are innocent (and therefore worthy of the Master's attention). They certainly were not innocent, but they did want to receive. It is only grown ups who think that they have to earn everything, or get it for themselves, somehow - kids know that they need all the help and love that they can get. Actually that is true of everybody - but the kids are often quicker to grasp goodness and truth, than cynical adults. So, let's stop making Christianity complicated, and simply explain the grace of God in Christ, and invite people to receive what He offers.
Prayer: Father God. Forgive me for making You inaccessible to my colleagues and friends. Help me to practice the message I need to speak, by coming to You each day in dependency and faith. You know I am weak - help me to realise it too. I need to trust You for everything today ... including the courage to invite people to come to Jesus. In his Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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