"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."
--Mark 10:15 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on May 8, 2013 of Psalm 89:1-8; Mark 10:1-31; 1 Samuel 1-2:26.
Jesus went into the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan River. As usual, the crowds quickly gathered around Him. And also as usual, He immediately began to teach them and share God's word with them. And as had sadly also become usual, the Pharisees came up questioning Jesus, testing Him, trying to catch Him in some misstep. Yet again He confounded the Pharisees and confused His disciples a little with His answers. Once in the house where they were staying, Jesus explained what He had told the Pharisees.
At this time the people started trying to bring their small children to Jesus, hoping He might just touch them, and by doing so bless them. But the disciples blocked their way and fussed at them, probably for wasting the Master's time. Little children weren't too high on the social scale in those days, and the disciples intended to keep them away from Jesus so that He could tend to more important matters. Jesus noticed what was going on and was "greatly displeased", as Mark puts it in the NKJV (please see verse 14). The New American Standard Bible (NASB) version has Mark reporting that Jesus became indignant. According to my dictionary, this means that Jesus felt strong displeasure at what He considered to be unjust, offensive, or insulting. In His eyes, the disciples were guilty of an injustice by denying the children access to Him. So He tells the disciples to let the children come to Him, not to hinder them from doing so. And then He delivers a crucial piece of information: "for of such is the kingdom of God" (verse 14).
Jesus doesn't say that God's kingdom belongs to children or is only intended for children, but for those who are like children. He clarifies this in today's focus verse by adding that the only ones who can enter heaven are those who receive God's kingdom as a child would. To better understand this, we need to think about the child-like qualities Jesus would consider vital. Children have a special innocence. They have not yet become jaded by the world. They are trusting of others, not always suspicious. They can love unconditionally, without expecting anything in return, without preconceived stereotypes or prejudices or biases. They are carefree, looking to others for strength, guidance, and support. They have faith because it has yet to be shaken. They are meek, and they are vulnerable. This is how Jesus wants us to approach life: to remain innocent and trusting, to love others unconditionally, to be meek and humble and seek always to serve, to remain faithful and obedient to God our Father. We have been washed in the blood of Jesus, cleansed of our sins and made innocent in the sight of God. We are God's children. Maybe we need to be more child-like in His eyes. Amen.
Gracious Jesus, if we remain child-like then You will make sure our access to You is always open. Help us to remain innocent, trusting, faithful, and loving children of our heavenly Father, so that we might live with You forever. In Your glorious name, dearest Jesus we pray. Amen.
At this time the people started trying to bring their small children to Jesus, hoping He might just touch them, and by doing so bless them. But the disciples blocked their way and fussed at them, probably for wasting the Master's time. Little children weren't too high on the social scale in those days, and the disciples intended to keep them away from Jesus so that He could tend to more important matters. Jesus noticed what was going on and was "greatly displeased", as Mark puts it in the NKJV (please see verse 14). The New American Standard Bible (NASB) version has Mark reporting that Jesus became indignant. According to my dictionary, this means that Jesus felt strong displeasure at what He considered to be unjust, offensive, or insulting. In His eyes, the disciples were guilty of an injustice by denying the children access to Him. So He tells the disciples to let the children come to Him, not to hinder them from doing so. And then He delivers a crucial piece of information: "for of such is the kingdom of God" (verse 14).
Jesus doesn't say that God's kingdom belongs to children or is only intended for children, but for those who are like children. He clarifies this in today's focus verse by adding that the only ones who can enter heaven are those who receive God's kingdom as a child would. To better understand this, we need to think about the child-like qualities Jesus would consider vital. Children have a special innocence. They have not yet become jaded by the world. They are trusting of others, not always suspicious. They can love unconditionally, without expecting anything in return, without preconceived stereotypes or prejudices or biases. They are carefree, looking to others for strength, guidance, and support. They have faith because it has yet to be shaken. They are meek, and they are vulnerable. This is how Jesus wants us to approach life: to remain innocent and trusting, to love others unconditionally, to be meek and humble and seek always to serve, to remain faithful and obedient to God our Father. We have been washed in the blood of Jesus, cleansed of our sins and made innocent in the sight of God. We are God's children. Maybe we need to be more child-like in His eyes. Amen.
Gracious Jesus, if we remain child-like then You will make sure our access to You is always open. Help us to remain innocent, trusting, faithful, and loving children of our heavenly Father, so that we might live with You forever. In Your glorious name, dearest Jesus we pray. Amen.
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