Let the Children Come to Me

Mark 10:14-16

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it. "Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

Every time I listen to these verses, I revisit my childhood. Little Golden Books filled my bookshelves. One book, in particular, had a picture of Jesus, surrounded by children: one little boy comfy on his lap with a lamb also being held. As a child, this picture brought comfort and a sense of love and belonging. Perhaps that is why I remember it so clearly. As an adult, it is still moving.

In Biblical days, children held little to no status in the community. They were expected to contribute to the household economy. My understanding is that children were required to complete menial tasks such as agriculture or trades. Others were committed to education with tutors and sent to school. Boys were exposed to academic subjects and girls were taught to run a home. Regardless, they were treated and considered as property. While it may seem somewhat conflicting, children were considered as a "gift from the Lord" and highly valued.

Keeping all this in mind, picture this — a large group of people have gathered to hear Jesus teach. Many parents and children were present. It appears that the mothers deeply desired for Jesus to touch and bless their children.

The disciples were trying to protect Jesus. They didn't want those "pesky" little kids to take his time or energy. In their eyes, the children were no one important, in fact they were the least important. Imagine their shock when Jesus was angry, quite displeased at their attempted dismissal of those children. After all, they had been with him when he dined with tax collectors, sinners and more. Even so, they still didn't catch on that Jesus came to serve and save the humble, the least, the lost and the unwanted.

The children found their way to Jesus. He embraced them, he blessed them, he acknowledged their worth. Their minds were open to him; their hearts were eager to accept his love, his touch, his blessing; they received this gift — not by being worthy or because they earned it. They received his love, embrace and blessing with childlike joy, trust and faith.

We are to come to God and encourage others — even those we don't consider worthy, knowing that in God's eyes every person is valuable. We are all created in God's image and loved unconditionally. We are all God's children. We can become our true selves by listening to God's voice.

Today's a good day to embrace our child-like joy and trust. Today we are invited to run to Jesus with open hearts and simple faith, not to rely on our adult "head knowledge". After all, Jesus told us to let the children come to him, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

We are invited to encounter his touch, love and blessings today and every day.

Prayer

Gracious God, we ask that you open our eyes as children today. Filled with wonder and trust we seek your blessing. Guide us to see the children, your children who may seem "less than" ourselves and others and remember that all are valuable in your sight. Allow us to seek your voice and embrace your love and blessings so that we might be, not a hindrance, but a vessel of your love for others.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

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