Do Not Hinder Them

Opening Prayer (Confession & Petition)

Read Mark 10:13-16.

Is my attitude toward the Kingdom child-like or childish?

I. Called to welcome, not drive away. (v. 13)

It was not uncommon for families to bring their children to teachers and great men of faith to be blessed. This custom was practiced even before the Kingdom of Israel was established. Families sought God’s protection for their children.

The second item we must consider is the significant apathy the ancient world held toward children. Unwanted infants were left out in the cold as a means of disposal, and in some cases, other people would take the discarded children and turn them into a money-making business (think of disfiguring and injuring the kids so they could beg on the roads and byways of a village, town, or city).

Meanwhile, the disciples think in terms of valuable time and a major return on the Master’s investment of time among the people. Here we see a lack of spiritual awareness and spiritual values to shape their view of ministry and life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (See Psalm 127:3-5.)

Is my attitude toward the Kingdom child-like or childish?

II. Called to child-like faith. (v. 14-15)

Here we see the Lord of the whole of Scripture expressing his displeasure before rebuking those who are coming to seek him. The displeasure is directed at the disciples and stems from their failure to understand the role of a disciple who makes disciples. (See Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Jesus does not wait any longer and directly rebukes the disciples in the hearing of the people. Jesus then makes the scandalizing statement—The Kingdom belongs to such as these—children. Remember, the ancient Greco-Roman world did not hold children, childhood, or the value of a young life in high regard. This statement reframes the view of children’s value and what it means to have and enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus then drives the point home with his closing sentence: To not receive the kingdom of God in a childlike manner is to not enter it at all. Here, the point is made about the qualities needed and must be active in the lives of those who, by faith, seek God’s presence and eternal joy at his side. Humility, total dependence, gratitude, and lack of expectation. (See Psalm 128.)

Is my attitude toward the Kingdom child-like or childish?

III. God more than welcomes, he embraces. (v. 16)

Now, not as a surprise, Jesus not only teaches us what and how we must do to honor God and bless our neighbors; he also shows us what kind of action we must take as disciples who make disciples.

Jesus not only welcomes the children into his presence but also warmly embraces them with deep love and care. This is a picture of a good shepherd who cares for the lambs and ensures they are not overlooked among the sheep. (See Deuteronomy 7:13-14.)

Here we recall that God is not only far-off but also near to us in the most personal way. Jesus touches to give dignity and affirm the value of human life. This, coupled with the words of blessing over the children, speaks to the way God rejoices over us. Imagine the hands that hold the universe in its course touching your face, while the very voice that created all things seen and unseen speaks a blessing over you. That is what these children experienced and what we enjoy in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. (See Psalm 103:13.)

Is my attitude toward the Kingdom child-like or childish?

The Kingdom of God is...

Multi-generational.

For child-like believers.

For being it, and entering it.

Closing Prayer (Intercession & Adoration)