Jesus and the Children

Let the children come to me

Back Ground of the passage

Found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke

Not found in John possibly because of divinity reasons

found between the teaching on divorce and the teaching on wealth, property, possessions and entering heaven.

Mark 10:13 ESV

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.

Mark 10:13–16 NIV

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

Mark 10:12–16 ESV

and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

I. Kids matter to Jesus, so they should matter to us.

For teachers that means caring for your students in real meaningful ways.

For others that means supporting teachers and those in education in the care of kids.

It also means taking real steps to see that kids are cared for now but given tools to grow for the future.

II. Love is a verb, Jesus doesn’t simply say it he acts on it.

Jesus is earnest and real in his actions toward his disciples. It comes from a place of authentic care and compassion for those that needed him most.

III. Jesus is counter cultural, and willing to do, say, and teach hard lessons and real truths.

2 Kings 4:27 NIV

When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me why.”