ON YOUR MARK: WEEK 9 DAY 6

Mark 10:13-16

Let the Children Come to Me

13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 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 God.15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

My mom was the best. When I was growing up, if the adults were playing a game, I could be on her team, and sit on her lap and watch, even though I was too little to understand. If there were cookies to be made, she made me think she needed my help. Though we loved playing outside and with friends, sometimes my mom would need to give us a little shove to get out there. My mom would later invite us in, and still does these same things for the new little children in the family. 

Today’s “go play” can be a bit more dangerous. Today parents shove kids away with phones and tablets. The intention is usually only to be used in certain settings, but little by little, we do the easiest thing instead of the right thing. What does this have to do with hindering the little children? A lot, I think. The way we treat children affects the way they will hear us when we share about Jesus. And the things we shove them away to, have the power to pull them far away from the heart of God. I am reminded of the passage at the beginning of this week where the boy had been tormented by evil for a long time, since he was little (Mark 9). We must be careful not to open avenues of evil in our children's lives through devices, just to make our lives more convenient. 

How can you better welcome children into Jesus’ Kingdom?