Jesus Blesses Children

In the midst of the crowds, healing, teaching, a beautiful thing was happening. People were bringing children to Jesus.

Overview

  • Disciple’s Perception
  • Jesus’ Admission
  • Child’s Position

Bible Passage

Bible Passages: Matt 19.13-15; Mark 10.13-16; Luke 18.15-17

Matthew 19:13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Bible Passage

Mark 10:13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Introduction

Among the crowds, there were a few parents who realized the importance of bringing their children to Jesus.

Some stopped them. To them it was an unnecessary interruption in schedule. But to Jesus, it is very important.

Jesus, in fact encourages us all to become like children with respect to the Kingdom of God.

Introduction

When I learned about Jesus and God’s Kingdom as a child, it was so big and wonderful to me.

I believed completely in His presence and protection.

I loved reading bible stories and fondly remember my picture story bible.

That strong impression on my young mind left a permanent mark on my life.

Disciples’ Perception

The disciples perceived that the children were in the way of others getting spiritual benefit.

We tend to look at children as disturbances or interruptions. However they are an important part of the spiritual community.

Even at home it is a privilege to raise a child and influence them at a young age.

Programs have to be altered to be more inclusive for children.

Including children

Including children in our family worship, prayers, church at all ages is very important.

Adapting our programs at home and outside for the benefit of the children is important.

Programs and prayers as well as teaching should be at their level or there should be a slot directed to them.

They are receptive to connecting to God and are already quite connected as a child.

Being Role models

Even in day to day activities, children are observing our behaviour and attitudes which should reflect our teaching.

However noisy or disruptive they may be, they are watching and learning.

We are leading by example with every activity every day.

Christ’s admission

Children are role models in the kingdom of God.

Their level of faith and perception is exemplary.

They are un-self conscious and very God conscious.

They should never be hindered.

Such belongs the kingdom of God

God’s kingdom is not full of knowledgeable, strong, powerful rulers.

Like Jesus they are humble, gentle, obedient, trusting – just like children.

Children’s Position

They have a unique advantage in their connection with God

Several secular groups recruit and train children at a young age.

Children are very impressionable not only mentally and physically but also spiritually.

God’s spirit can touch a child in their faith and purity and leave lasting impressions.

Spiritual impression

Activity oriented learning provides lasting impressions. When the Holy Spirit works through these, spiritual impressions are formed – sometimes for a lifetime.

Spiritual impression

Activity oriented learning provides lasting impressions. When the Holy Spirit works through these, spiritual impressions are formed – sometimes for a lifetime.

Spiritual impression

The Spirit does not have barriers of prejudice and hardness in a child. Innocence and simple faith is the perfect vessel for the Spirit to penetrate. At a young age, the child can connect with God in a very special way. In fact, Christ desires that we retain this special connection

Catch ‘em young

The bible records examples of young children showing amazing faith and understanding of God

Naaman’s servant girl

The boy with the loaves and fish

Jesus himself at 12 at the temple

Joseph sold in his late teens holds on to his faith in a foreign land…

Never underestimate the power of the child!

 

Jesus blesses Children

Christ is always ready to bless little children. It is a priority for Him.

As parents and elders, it is a joyous duty to bring children to Jesus at every opportunity before their minds get biased and hearts get darkened.

When they are pure and tenderly receptive, they can connect in a very unique and powerful way to the Living Lord.

 

Discussion

“Jesus was all truth.  He condemned many of the religious leaders of his day for being liars and hypocrites.  He talked about hell more than he talked about heaven.  He called all his those who would be his disciples to take up their cross daily and follow him.  He prophesied judgment on Jerusalem for their unrepentant hearts.  He obeyed the law, set standards, and demanded everything from his followers, even their very lives.

Jesus came from the Father full of grace and truth. All grace, all truth, all the time.” [2]

 

Related Posts

Lead, to Serve

As Jesus gains popularity, his disciples and relatives have dreams of positions in His future kingdom. Jesus patiently explains that great leaders in His...

The Last Shall be First

Towards the end of Christ's ministry on earth, Jesus is highlighting the theme "the last shall be first" a few times to ingrain the disciples of a key Kingdom...

The Rich and the Righteous

How do we attain eternal life? Times have changed but perceptions haven’t changed much.Four key questions are posed in this passage. The answers to which...

Towards the Cross

A brief passage, but mentioned in 3 gospels. As Christ’s footsteps turn towards the cross, it marks the end of his almost lifelong tenure in Galilee. We...